Displaying items by tag: presentation skills

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

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

Everyone feels nervous before a big presentation — it’s completely normal. Even experienced speakers feel the adrenaline rise. The difference is in how you manage it.

Start by visualising a successful outcome. See yourself walking into the room, speaking clearly, and getting a positive response. This simple shift in mindset can help quiet your doubts.

Take time to breathe deeply before you begin. A few slow breaths can bring your heart rate down and help you feel more grounded.

One of the best ways to calm nerves is to know exactly how you're going to start. Memorise your first few lines so you can ease into the presentation with confidence and set the tone straight away.

The way you carry yourself physically has a huge impact too. Stand tall, smile, and make eye contact. When you act confident, your brain starts to believe it.

It also helps to practise with someone you trust. A friendly face giving honest feedback can help ease the pressure and boost your confidence.

Remember, nerves mean you care — and that’s a good thing. With the right techniques, you can turn anxiety into positive energy and deliver a presentation that lands.

For more information about our training programmes visit:  https://www.presenterstudio.com/business-presenter-training/presentation-skills-training

Did you see the speeches at the end of the men’s final at Wimbledon? After hours of high-stakes tennis, what stood out just as much as the athletic brilliance was how both players handled the spotlight with kindness, humility, and heartfelt appreciation.

The finalists didn’t just talk about their own achievements. They thanked each other, recognised their teams, and even gave a nod to the ball boys and girls. It was a moment of grace, warmth, and genuine human connection — and the crowd loved it.

So what can this teach us about how to present and communicate better in our own lives — especially at work?

Far too often, business presentations are stiff, overly rehearsed, or packed with facts but lacking any emotional connection. But what we saw on that Centre Court stage was a masterclass in presenting with heart. The players were vulnerable, appreciative, and above all — kind. And because of that, we warmed to them. We listened. We respected them more.

That’s the power of kindness in presenting.

When you come across as warm and sincere, your audience is more likely to engage with you. They trust you. They want to hear more. That doesn’t mean dumbing things down or performing a version of yourself that feels false. It simply means showing a little humanity — recognising the team behind the work, appreciating your audience’s time, and communicating in a way that feels real.

So next time you're preparing for a big pitch or a team update, take a moment to ask yourself:

• Am I showing appreciation for the people around me?

• Am I speaking with warmth?

• How can I make this more human?

Kindness costs nothing — but in presenting, it could be the most powerful tool you have.

For more information about our training programmes visit:

Storytelling isn’t just about entertaining—it’s about reinforcing who you are and what you stand for. At The Presenter Studio, our storytelling course helps professionals choose stories that serve a strategic purpose: to reflect their brand’s values and mission.

Every business has a story to tell. The key is choosing the right ones—stories that reinforce the values you want your audience to associate with your brand. Whether that’s innovation, integrity, creativity or resilience, the stories you share should support the image you want to project.

We teach you how to select moments from your work or personal life that feel real, relevant and aligned. You'll learn how to frame them for clarity and emotional impact, while always linking back to your overarching message.

Make your next presentation a reflection of your brand—not just your business.

For more information about our training programmes visit: https://www.presenterstudio.com/business-presenter-training/presentation-skills-training

For many professionals, presenting can be a nerve-wracking part of the job. Whether you're pitching ideas in a boardroom or addressing a virtual team meeting, strong presentation skills can set you apart. But these skills aren’t something you're born with—they're learned, developed and fine-tuned.

That’s where a presentation skills course comes in. At The Presenter Studio, we bring a unique, real-world approach. Unlike generic workshops, our training is created by TV professionals who know what it takes to engage an audience. It's not about being perfect; it's about being authentic, clear and confident.

We focus on practical tools that suit your style. From structuring your content to finding your natural performance, our coaching helps you create presentations that people remember for the right reasons. It’s ideal for professionals at any stage—whether you dread public speaking or want to polish your delivery for high-stakes moments.

When done right, a presentation skills course is more than a one-off workshop—it’s a turning point in how you communicate.

Learn more at: https://www.presenterstudio.com/business-presenter-training/presentation-skills-training

Great presenters aren’t made from a single formula - they’re discovered through authenticity, confidence, and individuality. At The Presenter Studio, our presentation skills training is about helping you find your voice - not someone else’s version of it.

Too often, presenters fall into the trap of sounding like they’re imitating a style or sticking to stiff corporate language. But the most powerful presenters are those who embrace who they are. When you find your voice, your message becomes clearer, your delivery becomes stronger, and your presence becomes unforgettable.

One of the first steps in that journey is learning to avoid jargon. Overcomplicated language puts up a barrier between you and your audience. The goal of any presentation should be clarity and connection. By stripping back the buzzwords and acronyms, and speaking in a way that’s natural and human, your ideas come across more confidently and with more impact.

Equally important is being confident in who you are. Confidence doesn’t mean being the loudest or most extroverted person in the room. It means trusting your perspective, owning your delivery style, and knowing that your voice deserves to be heard. When you speak from a place of confidence, your audience leans in.

The final piece is making it your own. A presentation is not just about transferring information—it's an opportunity to express yourself. Whether that’s through humour, personal stories, or the way you structure your message, your individuality is what brings your content to life. When you present in a way that reflects who you are, you become more engaging, more believable, and ultimately more effective.

Our training at The Presenter Studio is designed to unlock exactly that. We don’t teach you how to copy someone else—we help you become the best version of yourself. Because when you find your voice, you don’t just speak - you connect.

Want to learn how to present with authenticity and impact?

Explore our full training offering here:  https://www.presenterstudio.com/presentation-skills-training

Public speaking is one of the most common fears out there — and we get it. That mix of nerves, adrenaline, and the pressure to ‘perform’ can feel overwhelming. But here's the truth: great presenters aren’t born, they’re made. At The Presenter Studio, we’ve coached everyone from CEOs to TV presenters — and we know what works.

If you're looking to improve your presentation skills and finally stop the fear, these five tips are for you.

Chat to a Mate

One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to 'present'. They stiffen up, use overly formal language, and lose their personality. Instead, imagine you’re having a chat with a mate. It’s more natural, more relatable, and it helps your audience connect with you.

A great way to practise this is by running through your presentation out loud as if you were explaining it to a friend. Picture someone you trust sitting in the audience and speak directly to them. You’ll sound more human and feel more at ease.

Learn Your Intro

Nerves always peak at the start. That’s when your heart’s racing, palms are sweaty, and your brain is running on overdrive. The best way to beat this is to nail your opening.

If you know your first 60 seconds word for word, you’re giving yourself a strong foundation to build from. It helps settle your nerves and lets you ease into your talk with confidence.

Dress to Impress

You don’t need to wear a tux, but looking good helps you feel good. Clothes aren’t just about style — they’re part of your mindset. When you feel confident in what you’re wearing, it shows.

Choose something that makes you feel like the best version of yourself. Keep it comfortable, professional and authentically you. Avoid anything distracting or that makes you self-conscious.

The Power of the Pause

Silence is powerful. A well-timed pause gives your message space to land, lets your audience absorb what you’ve said, and gives you a moment to breathe.

So many people rush through their presentation just to get it over with. Don’t be afraid to stop and let the moment breathe. It shows confidence and keeps your audience engaged.

Avoid Jargon

Trying to sound smart by using big words or industry buzzwords usually backfires. People tune out when they hear unfamiliar language — and the last thing you want is to lose your audience.

Speak simply. Use language that’s clear and easy to understand. Your job is to make your message accessible, not to impress with complexity. If your audience doesn’t get it, they won’t remember it.

Final Thoughts

Improving your presentation skills is a journey — and it starts with shifting your mindset. Remember, presenting isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being real. Be conversational. Be prepared. Be confident in who you are.

And next time the nerves kick in, just remind yourself: you’ve got this.

For expert coaching and insider secrets from the world of television and business, visit The Presenter Studio’s bespoke training page: https://www.presenterstudio.com/business-presenter-training/presentation-skills-training

Let’s turn fear into confidence — one presentation at a time.

So I saw two presentations this week and I wanted to share my thoughts on both...as I think there are lots of helpful learnings here and lots of tips to share from us at The Presenter Studio. 

1 When it comes to your presentations make sure they reflect the tone the feel of the brand that you're representing.  We were lucky enough to hear from the team at wework which for me is an innovative energetic and young working space so therefore you'd expect the presentation to feel young and energetic. 

2 Get your presentations off to a pacey dynamic start. If the opening of your presentation drugs lacks focus lacks engagement the audience quickly decides to be more passive in the session and not active in their listening first impressions really do count on many level.

And 3 – Slides!  It's so surprising how many presenters rely so heavily on slides yet they can really feel old fashioned they can pull the focus and often visually they don't reflect the brand that you are representing.   So if you are going to use slides ask yourself why do I need them do they reflect the visual nature of our brand and never present to the slide always present to the audience. 

Hope these tips and tricks help!  

#presentationskills #presentations #presentercoach #presenter

Why Every Professional Should Take a Presentation Skills Course

Strong presentation skills are no longer a nice-to-have—they're essential in today's competitive job market. Whether you’re pitching to clients, delivering team updates, or leading a workshop, the ability to present clearly and confidently can set you apart.

A presentation skills course gives you the tools to speak with authority and authenticity. You’ll learn how to build persuasive arguments, craft stories that connect with your audience, and deliver your message with confidence.

More than that, it builds your presence. Great presenters are memorable because they’re not just speaking—they’re performing. In our presentation skills courses, we teach you how to own the room, read the audience, and make a lasting impression.

Public speaking is also one of the top fears people have. But like any skill, it improves with the right guidance and practice. A good course provides a safe space to overcome anxiety and develop new strengths.

If you're aiming for career progression, leadership roles, or simply want to boost your communication skills, investing in a presentation skills course is one of the smartest professional moves you can make.

To find out more about how we can help you visit https://www.presenterstudio.com/business-presenter-training/presentation-skills-training or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.