This week I attended a public speech that left me reflecting on something we see time and time again at The Presenter Studio — our over-reliance on slides. The speaker came from a cool, young, innovative company. A brand that was clearly fresh, vibrant, and full of energy. Yet their presentation said otherwise.
Instead of connecting with the audience, the presenter hid behind a deck of tired, lifeless slides. They spoke more to the screen than to the room. The visuals felt dated and lacked any real sense of creativity or personality. It felt like a missed opportunity. And what was most disappointing is that this isn’t unusual. It’s become the norm.
Historically, we’ve all leaned on slides when it comes to public speaking. Somewhere along the line, they became a standard part of the format — something we include without even asking why. But that’s exactly the question we ask every client at The Presenter Studio to consider: Why are you using slides at all?
There’s a great tradition in copying what others do. We use slides because we’ve seen others do it. We fill them with bullet points because that’s what’s always been done. But just because something is familiar doesn’t mean it’s effective.
Every presentation should be unique. Just like you. Your talk should be tailored not only to your personality and communication style, but also to the brand you represent. If you're bold and modern, your slides should reflect that. If you're more understated and thoughtful, let that guide the tone of your visuals — or consider not using them at all. The most memorable presentations are often the ones that break away from convention.
At The Presenter Studio, we help people design talks that are truly personal. Sometimes that means using slides, and sometimes it means leaving them out entirely. The key is to make a conscious choice — not a default one.
What slides often do is act as a barrier. They can distance you from your audience and dilute your message. If they’re too text-heavy, people read instead of listen. If they’re poorly designed, they undermine your professionalism. If they’re overused, they turn what could be a dynamic experience into something forgettable.
The truth is, slides should support your story, not replace it. They should enhance your impact, not distract from it. So the next time you're preparing for a public speech, ask yourself: Do I really need these slides? What would happen if I used fewer? Or none at all?
Take a moment to think about what you’re really trying to say, how you want people to feel, and whether your slides are helping or hindering that goal. And remember the power of that old saying: less is more.
When you strip away what’s unnecessary, what you’re left with is you — your message, your voice, your energy. And that’s what audiences really remember.
Public speaking is more than just a skill—it's a doorway to personal and professional growth. Whether you're leading meetings, presenting ideas, or speaking at events, the ability to communicate clearly and confidently can elevate your career and build your credibility.
Many people struggle with public speaking due to fear or lack of experience. That’s why a structured course can make all the difference. At Presenter Studio, we create a safe and supportive space where you can build your confidence, practice your skills, and receive personalised feedback from experienced coaches.
Our courses are built around real-world speaking scenarios. You'll learn how to craft persuasive messages, engage audiences, and manage nerves. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all teaching—instead, we tailor our coaching to each individual’s style and goals.
Confidence comes from experience and preparation. We guide you through practical exercises that help you understand your strengths and improve on your weak spots. From learning how to project your voice to developing your own speaking style, our courses cover all the essentials.
One of the unique aspects of our approach is our media background. Our training blends the performance skills of broadcasters with the authenticity needed for live audiences. This gives you an edge, whether you're speaking at work, at conferences, or on camera.
Explore how our public speaking courses can help you communicate with impact and confidence in any setting.
To find out more about how we can help you visit www.presenterstudio.com or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Public speaking can be one of the most daunting challenges in a professional setting, but it’s also one of the most rewarding skills you can develop. Whether you're addressing a boardroom, pitching a client, or delivering a keynote, your ability to present with confidence can define how your message is received.
At Presenter Studio, we believe that everyone has the potential to be a compelling speaker. The key lies in preparation, practice, and understanding how to connect with your audience.
The first step in mastering presentation skills is structure. A clear and logical structure helps your audience follow your message and increases your own confidence.
Begin with a strong opening to grab attention, follow with well-organized points, and end with a memorable conclusion.
Equally important is how you deliver your message. Your voice, body language, and eye contact all contribute to how your audience perceives you. Practicing vocal variety, maintaining an open posture, and making genuine eye contact can help you come across as more confident and engaging.
Storytelling is another powerful tool. Stories create emotional connections, making your message more relatable and memorable. Think about moments from your own experiences that support your message, and practice telling them naturally.
Finally, dealing with nerves is a big part of becoming a strong presenter. It’s normal to feel anxious, but preparation and practice go a long way. Breathing techniques, visualisation, and rehearsing with trusted colleagues or friends can help ease anxiety.
To take your skills further, our tailored presentation skills courses offer professional coaching designed to help you excel in any speaking scenario.
To find out more about how we can help you visit www.presenterstudio.com or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
When most people start working on a presentation, they jump straight into the slides. They open PowerPoint or Keynote, and begin adding content, hoping that somehow it will all come together. But this approach skips the most important step — understanding the shape and flow of what you want to say.
At The Presenter Studio, we always start with a running order. It’s a simple but powerful tool that outlines the structure of your presentation — not the details, but the journey. It gives you clarity on what comes where, how your ideas connect, and what kind of experience you’re creating for your audience.
Think of it like planning a story. You wouldn’t just start writing random chapters without knowing how the plot unfolds. In the same way, you need to plan the narrative of your presentation. What’s your opening hook? When does the key message land? Where do you build momentum, and where do you give your audience a moment to reflect?
Having a running order gives you control. It helps you avoid repetition. It stops you from getting lost in tangents. And it allows you to be more strategic about when to introduce supporting visuals, when to pause for impact, and when to bring things to a close.
A good running order also takes the pressure off your slides. Because when the structure is strong, the content is easier to shape. You’re not just reacting to what’s on the screen — you’re leading the message.
In our Public Speaking Course, we walk you through how to create a strong, flexible running order that works for your style and purpose. Whether you’re giving a keynote, a pitch, or an internal update, having a clear shape to your message changes everything.
If you want to move from scattered ideas to a presentation with real flow and confidence, explore our presentation skills training courses and see how we can help - https://www.presenterstudio.com/business-presenter-training/presentation-skills-training
It’s a familiar scene — a presenter clicks through slide after slide while the audience checks out, their eyes glazing over. At some point, the words on the screen start doing all the talking. The speaker fades into the background. And the real connection is lost.
That’s why, in our Public Speaking Course, one of the first things we challenge is how you use your slides — or whether you even need them at all.
Slides can be helpful. They can reinforce a point, show data, or bring a visual story to life. But far too often, they become a crutch. Speakers overload them with text, read directly from them, or rely on them to structure the entire presentation. The result? The speaker stops being the focus. And the audience stops listening.
When you remove the dependence on slides, something important happens. You step forward. Your message becomes more direct. You start to use your voice, your body language, your storytelling skills — and suddenly, you’re actually presenting.
Slides should support you, not lead you. If the slide could do the job on its own, what’s the point of you being there? Your presence, your perspective, and your delivery are what make the message matter. And when slides are used sparingly — just to reinforce key visuals or simplify complex information — they work beautifully.
In our training, we help people rethink how they use visual aids. Sometimes we suggest stripping them back. Sometimes we suggest scrapping them altogether. The goal is always to make sure you are the one delivering the impact, not the screen behind you.
If you’ve ever felt like your slides were getting in the way, or you weren’t sure how to speak without them, explore our presentation skills training courses and see how we can help - https://www.presenterstudio.com/business-presenter-training/presentation-skills-training
One of the most common mistakes we see in public speaking is the idea that it’s a performance. That you need to put on a show, use big gestures, and deliver a polished, theatrical monologue. But here’s the truth: the best public speakers don’t perform. They connect. They don’t talk at the audience. They talk with them.
At The Presenter Studio, we believe public speaking is a conversation. Whether you’re in a boardroom, on a stage, or leading a webinar, the goal is always the same — to make your audience feel included, understood, and engaged. When you approach your presentation like a dialogue, everything shifts. You start to focus less on delivering a perfect speech and more on creating a real, human moment.
Think about it — when you have a conversation with a friend or colleague, you make eye contact, you pause naturally, you listen, and you respond. There’s flow, spontaneity, and warmth. That same mindset can completely transform how you approach public speaking. It makes you more relaxed. More authentic. And far more interesting to listen to.
When people present in a way that feels too scripted or robotic, the audience tunes out. But when they speak like they’re having a conversation — even if they’re the only one talking — people lean in. They relate to the speaker. They trust them.
Our Public Speaking Course helps clients develop that conversational style. It’s not about being informal or casual. It’s about being real. We show you how to structure your message, build in moments of connection, and speak with energy and ease. You’ll still be professional. You’ll still be prepared. But you’ll also feel natural — like you’re really there with your audience, not behind a wall of rehearsed lines.
If you want your next presentation to feel less like a performance and more like a powerful conversation, explore our presentation skills training courses and see how we can help - https://www.presenterstudio.com/business-presenter-training/presentation-skills-training
What Makes a Great Public Speaker?
Introduction
Great public speakers captivate their audiences, inspire action, and communicate messages with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re speaking at a conference, delivering a pitch, or leading a meeting, strong presentation skills set you apart. But what exactly makes a speaker truly great, and how can you develop these qualities?
The Key Traits of a Great Public Speaker
Effective speakers are confident, well-prepared, and able to connect with their audience. Confidence comes from practice and preparation, ensuring that speakers deliver their messages without hesitation. Clarity in speech involves structuring ideas logically and articulating them in an engaging way. Connection with the audience is achieved through storytelling, eye contact, and responsiveness to listener reactions.
How Public Speaking Training Enhances These Skills
Public speaking courses provide the techniques needed to refine these traits. Training focuses on voice modulation, speech structuring, and audience engagement. Practical exercises and expert feedback help individuals sharpen their delivery and eliminate common speaking mistakes. By honing these skills, anyone can transform from a hesitant speaker to a powerful communicator.
Conclusion
Becoming a great public speaker is a skill that can be learned and mastered with the right guidance. To improve your presentation skills and captivate your audience, explore public speaking courses at www.presenterstudio.com
How to Overcome the Fear of Public Speaking
Introduction
Fear of public speaking is one of the most common anxieties, affecting professionals and students alike. The good news is that with the right training, anyone can learn to manage stage fright and speak with confidence. A public speaking course provides structured guidance to help individuals conquer nervousness and develop strong communication skills.
Understanding Public Speaking Anxiety
Stage fright often stems from a fear of being judged, making mistakes, or forgetting key points. These fears can be addressed with preparation, practice, and expert techniques. Public speaking courses teach strategies such as breathing exercises, visualization, and relaxation techniques to help speakers remain calm and focused.
Steps to Build Confidence in Public Speaking
Developing confidence takes time and practice. A structured training program provides opportunities for speaking in front of small groups before progressing to larger audiences. Instructors offer constructive feedback to help participants improve speech structure, vocal tone, and nonverbal communication. Over time, repeated practice builds familiarity and confidence, making public speaking a skill rather than a source of anxiety.
Conclusion
Overcoming the fear of public speaking is achievable with the right training and practice. To gain confidence and master your presentation skills, enroll in a public speaking course at www.presenterstudio.com.
Why You Should Invest in a Public Speaking Course
Introduction
Public speaking is a valuable skill that can open doors in both personal and professional life. Whether you're delivering a business presentation, pitching an idea, or speaking at an event, confidence and clarity make a significant impact. A structured public speaking course provides the training needed to become a more effective communicator.
How a Public Speaking Course Can Benefit You
Enrolling in a public speaking course helps you develop techniques to overcome nervousness, structure engaging speeches, and connect with your audience. Training covers essential aspects such as voice control, body language, and storytelling, ensuring that your message is both compelling and memorable. With expert coaching, you gain the ability to handle unexpected questions, present with authority, and leave a lasting impression on your listeners.
What to Expect from a Public Speaking Course
A professional course includes practical exercises, real-time feedback, and techniques for refining speech delivery. Participants learn how to project their voice effectively, use pauses for impact, and maintain audience engagement. Courses also provide tools for handling stage fright and adapting presentations for different audiences and formats.
Conclusion
Investing in a public speaking course is a powerful step toward becoming a confident and persuasive speaker. To take your communication skills to the next level, visit www.presenterstudio.com and explore expert training programmes.
How to Overcome Public Speaking Anxiety
Nervous about public speaking? Learn how to overcome stage fright and build confidence with expert presentation skills training techniques.
Introduction
Public speaking anxiety is common, but it doesn't have to hold you back. With the right techniques, you can overcome nervousness and become a confident speaker.
Causes of Public Speaking Anxiety
Fear of judgment, lack of preparation, and negative past experiences contribute to public speaking anxiety.
Tips to Overcome Anxiety
Thorough preparation is one of the most effective ways to reduce nervousness. Knowing your material inside out allows you to focus on delivery rather than content. Practicing mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing and visualization can help calm nerves before speaking. Starting small by practicing in front of friends or recording yourself can help build confidence. Using positive affirmations can replace negative thoughts with empowering beliefs. Joining a training program provides structured improvement and expert guidance.
Conclusion
Don’t let fear stop you from delivering powerful presentations. Sign up for presentation skills training at www.presenterstudio.com and start speaking with confidence today.