What do you do if your presentation and public speaking skills are holding you back in management consulting?

1 Assess your strengths and weaknesses

The first step is to identify where you need to improve and what you are already good at. You can do this by asking for feedback from your colleagues, mentors, or clients, or by recording yourself and reviewing your performance. Look for aspects such as clarity, structure, delivery, tone, body language, and engagement. Be honest with yourself and acknowledge your areas of improvement, but also celebrate your strengths and leverage them.

2 Practice and prepare

The best way to improve your presentation and public speaking skills is to practice them as much as possible. Seek out opportunities to present in front of different audiences, such as team meetings, client workshops, or industry events. Prepare your content and rehearse your delivery beforehand, but also be flexible and adaptable to the situation. Use notes, slides, or other aids to support your message, but don't rely on them too much. Focus on the key points and the value proposition for your audience.

3 Learn from others

Another way to improve your presentation and public speaking skills is to learn from others who are good at them. Watch and listen to how they structure their arguments, use stories and examples, modulate their voice, and interact with their audience. You can also ask them for advice or feedback, or join a professional or community group that offers coaching or mentoring on these skills. You can also read books, articles, or blogs that offer tips and techniques on presentation and public speaking.

4 Manage your nerves

It is normal to feel nervous before or during a presentation, especially if it is important or challenging. However, you can manage your nerves and turn them into positive energy. Some strategies to do this are: breathe deeply and relax your muscles, visualize a successful outcome, remind yourself of your expertise and value, have a backup plan in case something goes wrong, and smile and enjoy the experience. Don't let your nerves stop you from delivering your best.

5 Seek feedback and improvement

Finally, you can improve your presentation and public speaking skills by seeking feedback and improvement after each presentation. Ask your audience, colleagues, or clients for their opinions and suggestions, and thank them for their input. Analyze what went well and what could be better, and identify specific actions to implement in your next presentation. Keep track of your progress and celebrate your achievements. Remember that presentation and public speaking skills are not innate, but learned and developed over time.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?