Displaying items by tag: presentation skills training

Our own Gareth had a great chat on the Chatterbeans podcast recently.  Talking all things presenting, TV and career.

Take a look here:  https://www.chatter-beans.com/latest-episodes

It was so much fun to do! 

Here’s a presentation tip that might just change everything: write your slides at the very end. Not at the beginning. Not halfway through. Only once you know what you’re going to say.

Too often, people start with slides. They fill them with text, graphs, animations—and then build their talk around them. But that puts your visuals in control of your message, rather than the other way around. Strong presentation skills mean you lead the message. Your slides support you, not the other way round.

Start by working out what you want to say. What are your key messages? What do you want your audience to think, feel, and do? Once that’s clear, only then decide if you need slides. And if you do, ask yourself what they’re there to do. Do they help clarify? Do they simplify something? Do they add emotion?

If the answer is no, ditch them. Not every presentation needs slides. In fact, sometimes they get in the way. Audiences are there to listen to you, not to read.

Writing your slides last also helps you stay present. It stops you reading from the screen. It keeps you connected to your audience. And that’s when great presenting happens—when you’re talking with people, not pointing at a slide deck.

So next time you’re getting ready to present, leave the slides till last. Or better yet, try going without.

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

When you think of “presentation skills,” what comes to mind? For many, it’s something formal, stiff, or worse—boring. But presenting doesn’t have to be corporate and dry. In fact, the best presentations are often the most enjoyable - for both you and your audience.

Having fun isn’t just allowed. It’s essential. When you enjoy what you’re doing, your energy is infectious. You’re more relaxed, more natural, and far more engaging. People don’t want to be lectured to. They want to feel like they’re having a conversation. And if you’re having fun, they’ll come along for the ride.

Presentation skills are about storytelling, humour, and personality. You don’t need to put on a performance or be someone you’re not. But you do need to let some of the real you show. Bring warmth, show enthusiasm, and don’t be afraid to laugh - even at yourself.

Many organisations still hang onto an outdated idea of what “professional” looks like. But things have moved on. Presentations that connect are often more informal, more conversational, and more real. It’s about speaking with - not at - your audience.

So next time you’re planning a presentation, ask yourself: how can I make this more enjoyable? Because when you’re having a good time, your audience will too.  For more information about our training programmes visit:  https://www.presenterstudio.com/business-presenter-training/presentation-skills-training

Presenting complex material can feel like a real challenge. Whether you’re delivering data-heavy insights, technical content, or strategic updates, your job is to make it all feel accessible. That’s where strong presentation skills come into play.

One of the most powerful tools is pace. The temptation is to rush through tricky information to get it over with. But slow down. Allow your audience time to absorb what you’re saying. Speak clearly, pause to let things land, and give them the space to follow along.

Another vital skill is managing the information. Don’t try to say everything all at once. Chunk your content. Focus on the main message and build from there. Break it into sections that logically lead from one to the next.

Drip feeding facts and figures is far more effective than overloading people with stats in one go. Use one clear example, then explain what it means. Add a stat to back it up. Then move on. That rhythm keeps your audience engaged, not overwhelmed.

And finally, the golden rule of great presenting - speak to a real person. Don’t let the complexity of your subject matter strip away your natural communication style. Imagine one person sitting across from you and speak to them directly. Use everyday language. Make eye contact. Smile. When you speak like a human, your audience will connect with you - even when the topic is tough.

Long presentations are tough – for you and your audience. Trying to memorise or deliver a lengthy, uninterrupted talk can feel daunting and flat. And from the audience’s perspective, it’s hard to stay engaged when the information keeps flowing without any natural breaks or moments to reset.

That’s why at The Presenter Studio, we teach clients to think of their presentations in short, focused sections. Like chapters in a book or scenes in a film, each section should carry its own clear idea, pace, and purpose. This approach not only helps structure your content more effectively, it also makes it far easier to remember and deliver.

Shorter sections give your audience room to breathe. They create rhythm. They give you the chance to reset the energy and refocus attention. A well-structured presentation should feel like a journey – with clear stepping stones rather than one long, unbroken road.

When planning your next talk, begin by breaking your topic into 3 to 5 key parts. Each part should have a clear takeaway, and ideally a shift in tone, a story, or a change in visual to keep things fresh. This structure also helps you practise more effectively – allowing you to rehearse in manageable chunks rather than trying to memorise everything in one go.

Snappy doesn’t mean superficial. You can still go deep, but in a way that’s more digestible and compelling. In today’s world of short attention spans and rapid-fire information, this format is not just nice to have – it’s essential.

To learn how to plan and structure your next presentation like a pro, explore The Presenter Studio’s expert training at: https://www.presenterstudio.com/business-presenter-training/presentation-skills-training

It’s one of the most common habits we see in business presentations: the speaker walks on stage, clears their throat, and plants themselves firmly behind the lectern. While it may feel safe and authoritative, staying behind a lectern can be a barrier – both physically and emotionally – between you and your audience.

The lectern acts as a comfort zone. It holds your notes, props up your laptop, and gives your hands something to do. But from a performance point of view, it can also lock you in place and restrict your ability to connect. Presenting is about more than delivering words – it’s about creating energy in the room, using body language with intention, and showing up as a confident, engaging communicator.

At The Presenter Studio, we encourage clients to treat the stage or presentation space as theirs to own. That doesn't mean pacing aimlessly or over-gesturing. It means using movement deliberately – stepping forward to make a point, pausing to let something land, using your body to underscore your message. These techniques don't just make your delivery more engaging; they help you come across as more authentic and in control.

Breaking that ‘third wall’ with your audience – making eye contact, walking towards them, using natural gestures – turns your presentation from a performance into a conversation. It’s about replacing the old-school lecture format with a more inclusive, modern style of presenting.

So next time you feel tempted to stay hidden behind the lectern, take a step out. You’ll not only feel more energised, but you’ll also make a stronger impact. To learn how to use your physical presence effectively, take a look at The Presenter Studio’s training for business professionals:  https://www.presenterstudio.com/business-presenter-training/presentation-skills-training

Every business has a unique identity – a tone of voice, a visual style, a set of values that customers come to recognise and trust. That identity is carefully curated across websites, social media, packaging, and even customer service. Yet when it comes to presentations, it’s surprising how often that tone disappears.

Whether you're presenting at a conference, pitching to investors, or speaking to your team, your delivery should feel like a seamless extension of your brand. A bold, disruptive startup shouldn’t sound like a stiff corporate monologue. And a heritage luxury brand shouldn't feel overly casual or off-the-cuff. Your presentation style should mirror the personality and purpose of your business – otherwise, you risk confusion or even mistrust from your audience.

At The Presenter Studio, we work with businesses to help them present in a way that is not just clear and confident, but also on-brand. That means thinking about how the tone of voice, choice of language, visuals, and even your physical presence align with your company's wider identity.

Before your next presentation, ask yourself a few honest questions: Does this sound like us? Would this presentation feel at home on our website or in a client meeting? Is the tone helping or hindering the message we want to deliver?

A good presentation doesn't just inform – it reinforces your brand in the minds of your audience. To explore how we can help you match your message with your identity, visit The Presenter Studio's business presenter training page here: https://www.presenterstudio.com/business-presenter-training/presentation-skills-training

So many people come to us saying they’ve been on a presentation skills course before—but nothing really changed. That’s often because traditional training focuses on surface-level fixes. At The Presenter Studio, we dig deeper.

We understand that presentation anxiety, poor structure or a lack of clarity often come from a disconnect between what you want to say and how you’re trying to say it. Our courses address both sides of the equation: what you’re presenting and how you’re performing it.

We start by helping you find your natural communication style. Then we work on building tools around that style so your presentations feel authentic, not rehearsed. Our clients range from CEOs to first-time speakers, and we shape each session to match individual needs. With us, you’re not just learning how to stand in front of a room—you’re learning how to own it.

From storytelling techniques to handling difficult questions, our courses equip you with the confidence and strategies to succeed. And the feedback speaks for itself—people leave our training sessions with not just skills, but a whole new mindset.

More info at: https://www.presenterstudio.com/business-presenter-training/presentation-skills-training

Choosing the right presentation skills course can be tricky. Many promise big results, but few deliver on real impact. At The Presenter Studio, we’ve designed our courses around how people really learn—through doing, through feedback and through expert guidance that fits your unique voice.

Our training combines storytelling, body language, vocal techniques and content structuring. But what sets us apart is how personalised it is. We don’t offer cookie-cutter solutions. Instead, we work with who you are and where you want to go. Whether you need to lead internal meetings or deliver keynote speeches, our sessions are tailored to your real-world needs.

You’ll work with TV directors and communication coaches who bring out your best. They’ll help you think like a performer—so you not only inform but also inspire. Every exercise is rooted in performance psychology and media presentation techniques, refined over years of working with high-profile clients.

If you’re looking for a course that respects your individuality and boosts your presence, The Presenter Studio is here to help.

Visit: https://www.presenterstudio.com/business-presenter-training/presentation-skills-training

The phrase practice makes perfect is repeated often—but when it comes to presentation skills, not all practice is created equal. Rehearsing your presentation properly is one of the most effective ways to boost your confidence, sharpen your delivery, and connect with your audience.

The key is to move from passive preparation to active rehearsal. Instead of reading through your notes silently, stand up and speak aloud. This engages your voice, body, and mind, helping you internalise your message. You’ll notice where transitions feel clunky or where you stumble over words—insights you’d never get just reading quietly.

Filming yourself can be a powerful, but also can be a little dangerous - as how many of us like watching ourselves back? But watching yourself back shows how you come across. You’ll notice how much you gesture, where you speed up, and whether your tone is engaging. These are the small details that separate average presentations from great ones.  

It also helps to rehearse in front of others. A friend or colleague can give feedback that you may not spot yourself. Ask them to focus on specific areas—like your clarity, tone, or structure. Even running through it in front of just one person can help reduce nerves and increase fluency.

Don’t aim for perfection. Aim for flow. Your goal isn’t to deliver a word-perfect script but to communicate with confidence and purpose. Rehearsal helps you own the message rather than just repeat it.

Finally, rehearse in the space you’ll be presenting in, if possible. Familiarity with the environment, tech setup, and audience layout can help you feel grounded on the day.

With the right rehearsal techniques, you’ll feel more prepared, more authentic, and more in control. Great presenters aren’t born—they’re made, one practice session at a time.

For presentation training that helps you rehearse with impact and purpose, visit
https://www.presenterstudio.com/business-presenter-training/presentation-skills-training