Even experienced presenters make mistakes that quietly erode their credibility. Being aware of what to avoid can be as powerful as knowing what to do. One frequent error is relying too much on slides. When slides are overly dense with text or data, the audience spends more effort reading than listening. Another error is speaking too fast. Nervousness tends to speed up speech, which causes clarity to suffer. A third mistake is failing to address the audience. If the content, language, or examples are not tailored to who is listening, messages feel irrelevant. Many also stumble in handling questions. Being caught off-guard by audience questions without thoughtful transitions or buffers can leave a weak finish. Body language also matters. Closed posture, hands in pockets, looking down or away diminish connection. Lastly time mismanagement undermines perceived professionalism. Running over schedule or rushing through key points leaves the audience frustrated. To overcome these pitfalls practice with feedback, simplify visuals, rehearse pacing, study your audience, and anticipate questions.

For hands-on development of avoiding these mistakes and boosting your presentation effectiveness explore https://www.presenterstudio.com/business-presenter-training/presentation-skills-training

Today's tip from us here at The Presenter Studio - for any presentation you might be doing, or any social media content.

Get off to a good start.

Too many opportunities are wasted by not getting off to a good start.  You never get a second chance to make a first impression.  

Today’s culture are scrolling.  And fast.  The next thing is far more exciting.  The grass is always greener.  Instagram is like a roulette wheel – the next spin will always reveal something far more interesting.  

In TV we obsess over the opening of any show.  Especially if it’s new, out of fear that the audience will channel hop.  Have you ever noticed on Strictly Come Dancing the first two routines are usually the strongest?  This isn’t by chance.  

Each time you start something new you need to grab their attention.  First impressions form in as little as a tenth of a second. This applies to all forms of communication.  Instagram lives.  Linkedin Lives.  Zooms.  Meetings.  Networking.  YouTube hooks.  Presentations.  Meeting someone new.  

Think about the start of any pop concert.  The swirling lights, the dramatic music, the dry ice, the countdown.  So much thought goes into that opening.  And you can do the same.  

A strong presentation begins with a memorable opening. Many speakers underestimate how crucial the first minute is, yet neuroscience and communication research show that audiences form strong opinions very early on. To master your opening you must connect with your audience emotionally and intellectually.

Begin with a story that resonates with your audience, or a startling statistic that challenges their assumptions. Use language that draws the audience into a question or scenario they care about.

Avoid generic “Today I will talk about…” phrases. When you start with an anecdote or real-life example you humanise your topic immediately, making your message more relatable.

Your opening should also establish what the audience should expect and why it matters to them. Clarity early on builds trust and keeps attention anchored. Poor openings often lead to wandering attention or loss of credibility. To practice strong openings try recording your first minute, listen back and ask whether it would grab someone who didn’t know the content. With repeated refinement you will learn what works in your style.

If you really want to elevate your opening, consider specialist training to refine delivery, message framing and audience connection. For more guidance on improving presentation skills through professional coaching visit https://www.presenterstudio.com/business-presenter-training/presentation-skills-training

Make your audience feel something....

At The Presenter Studio we love looking to all different types of communication for inspiration...

And this week's experience was Coldplay 2025 at Wembley Stadium!

A masterclass in live performance.

It was a sensory overload of music, words, and light. A night where people came together to be free and…well happy!

It’s a great reminder that how we communicate can really change how people feel. Coldplay are masters at that. It’s not just a concert. It’s an experience. It’s a message packaged up in a series of songs.

Great to spend the night there with fellow Presenter Studio boss Leon!

A real night to remember!

#communicationskills

Public speaking is not only about giving information – it’s about creating inspiration. Facts and figures might inform, but inspiration transforms. The best speakers leave people not just knowing more, but feeling motivated to do more.

At The Presenter Studio, our public speaking courses show you how to make that leap. We’ll help you move beyond educating your audience to truly inspiring them. It’s about using stories, energy, and emotion to create a message that stays with people long after the event is over.

Because in the end, the goal of public speaking isn’t just to fill minds – it’s to light them up.

Learn more about our public speaking courses here: https://www.presenterstudio.com/business-presenter-training/presentation-skills-training

The most memorable public speakers are those who bring passion to the stage. When you speak about what excites you, it becomes infectious – your audience can’t help but be drawn in.

Our public speaking courses at The Presenter Studio are designed to help you unlock and share that passion. It’s not about hiding behind slides or scripts. It’s about speaking from the heart, telling stories, and letting your genuine enthusiasm shine through.

When you share your passion, people listen. And when people listen, they remember.

Discover more about our public speaking courses here: https://www.presenterstudio.com/business-presenter-training/presentation-skills-training

Public speaking doesn’t need to feel intimidating. The best speakers don’t lecture – they chat. They know how to bring the audience in, make them feel part of the moment, and create a sense of connection.

At The Presenter Studio, our public speaking courses help you shift from “performing” to simply “chatting”. When you think of it as a conversation rather than a speech, everything changes. You become more relaxed, more natural, and more engaging.

We’ll show you how to build that connection and keep it, so your audience feels like they’re being spoken with, not spoken at.

Find out more about our public speaking courses here: https://www.presenterstudio.com/business-presenter-training/presentation-skills-training

No two people present in the same way, and no two businesses face the same challenges. That’s why at The Presenter Studio, every session we deliver is tailored to the individual. We take time to understand who you are, what your goals are, and how you naturally communicate.

Our coaching is detailed, supportive, and designed to bring out the best in each person. We give you practical tools, but we also help you develop your own style so you can present with confidence and authenticity. From the first conversation to the final session, everything we do is shaped around you.

This personalised approach is what makes our training so effective – and why clients keep coming back.

Learn more about our presentation skills training here: https://www.presenterstudio.com/business-presenter-training/presentation-skills-training

Presentation skills are not just about delivery – they’re about what you say. At The Presenter Studio, we are experts in writing scripts and creating content that works. We know how to shape words so that they connect with your audience, reflect your personality, and achieve your goals.

Whether it’s helping you structure a pitch, crafting a keynote speech, or refining a team presentation, we bring our years of broadcasting and media expertise into your business. Our aim is always to help you speak with clarity, authenticity, and impact.

With us, you don’t just get a coach – you get a creative partner who understands how to make words work for you.

Discover more about our approach to presentation skills here: https://www.presenterstudio.com/business-presenter-training/presentation-skills-training

At The Presenter Studio, we believe great presentation skills are essential no matter the size of your business. We’ve coached everyone from a small independent bridal wear shop wanting to connect with customers on a personal level, through to global powerhouses like Fenty Beauty who are shaping international conversations.

The needs may differ, but the outcome is always the same: a confident, engaging communicator who can deliver messages that truly resonate. Whether it’s pitching a product, motivating a team, or telling a brand story, our training is designed to meet people where they are and take them where they need to go.

Every business has a voice, and we help you make sure yours is heard in the right way.

Find out more about our presentation skills training here: https://www.presenterstudio.com/business-presenter-training/presentation-skills-training