The art of successful presentation: An analysis of various key factors with practical implications for leaders

Abstract

This small review analyzes the fundamental elements of successful presentations, with a particular focus on breathing, posture, gestures and presence. Based on current research and best practices, both scientific findings and practical recommendations for action for managers are presented.

1. Introduction

The ability to give convincing presentations is crucial in the modern business world. According to Mehrabian (2017), 93% of communication impact is based on non-verbal elements, with 55% coming from visual impressions and 38% from the voice. Only 7% of the impact comes from the actual content.

2. Core elements of successful presentations

2.1 The importance of breathing

Controlled breathing is the foundation of every convincing presentation. Porges (2011) shows in his polyvagal theory that conscious breathing has a direct influence on the autonomic nervous system and thus:

Reduces stress

Improves voice quality

Increases presence

Increases concentration

Studies by Rock (2009) show that deep abdominal breathing can reduce cortisol levels by up to 30%.

2.2 Posture and non-verbal communication

In their groundbreaking research on “power posing”, Cuddy et al. (2012) demonstrated that a confident posture:

Increases testosterone levels (+20%)

Reduces cortisol (-25%)

Increases willingness to take risks

Strengthens self-confidence

2.3 Gestures and hand movements

Goldin-Meadow (2011) shows in her research that targeted gestures:

improve the audience's absorption of information by up to 33%

reduce the cognitive load on the speaker

reinforce the persuasiveness of the message

visualize abstract concepts

McNeill (2005) categorizes four main types of gestures:

iconic gestures (pictorial representations)

Metaphorical gestures (abstract concepts)

Deictic gestures (pointing gestures)

Beat gestures (rhythmic movements)

2.4 Presence and authenticity

According to Cabane (2012), genuine presence is based on three pillars:

Physical presence (body language and posture)

Mental presence (focus and attention)

Emotional presence (authenticity and connection)

3. Neuroscientific foundations

Rock's (2009) research identifies several relevant neural processes:

mirror neuron activation during successful audience interaction

amygdala regulation through conscious breathing

prefrontal activation during focused presence

4. Practical implications for leaders

4.1 Preparation and mental training

Based on Hewlett's (2014) research on executive presence, the following preparation routines are essential:

Mental preparation:

10-minute breathing meditation before important presentations

Visualization of the successful presentation

Power posing (2 minutes in a confident posture)

Positive self-affirmations

Physical preparation:

Vocal warm-up exercises

Shoulder and neck relaxation

Facial massage for articulation

Conscious straightening of the spine

4.2 During the presentation

Anderson (2016) recommends in his TED Talks Guide:

Breathing and voice:

Conscious breathing into the abdomen

Vary the speaking tempo

Use strategic pauses

Do not let your voice drop at the end of a sentence

Body language:

Open posture

Targeted eye contact (3-5 seconds per person)

Authentic gestures with the shoulders

Use the room with purpose

4.3 Practical checklists

Before the presentation:

□ Check the room 30 minutes in advance

□ Test the technology

□ Provide water

□ 5 minutes of breathing exercises

□ Perform a "power pose"

4.4 Situation-specific strategies

Large groups (100+ people)

According to Harvard Business Review's Guide (2019):

Use more intense gestures

More pronounced voice modulation

Longer pauses for spatial effect

Involve all areas of the room through movement

Small meetings (5-15 people)

Create a more intimate atmosphere

Allow more interaction

Use body language more subtly

Use eye contact more intensively

Virtual presentations

Based on current remote communication research (MIT, 2023):

Look directly at the camera

Use your upper body more

Optimize gestures in the camera view

Increase vocal energy by 20%

4.5 Crisis management during presentations

In case of blackouts:

Take a conscious breath (4-7-8 technique)

Use a water glass

Involve the audience

Use prepared bridging questions

In case of technical problems:

Have a plan B prepared

Stay confident through breathing

Inform the audience transparently

Bridge time with prepared interactions

5. Concrete exercises for everyday presentations

5.1 Daily basic exercises (based on Oliveros, 2005)

Breathing exercises:

Box breathing: 4-4-4-4 rhythm

5-minute morning breathing meditation

Diaphragmatic breathing in front of the mirror

Progressive muscle relaxation

Voice exercises:

Humming at different pitches

Articulation exercises with tongue twisters

Resonance exercises with “M” and “N”

Voice projection through ‘Ha’ exercises

5.2 Presence exercises (based on Stanislavski, 1936)

Focus exercises:

“Here and Now” meditation

Object focusing

Body scan

Spatial awareness exercise

Authenticity exercises:

Storytelling in front of the mirror

Emotional memory work

Spontaneity training

Improvisation exercises

6. Executive Summary for executives

Core principles:

Presence comes before perfection

Breathing is the key to control

Authenticity beats technique

Body language determines the effect

Quick wins:

5 minutes of breathing exercises in the morning

Power posing before important meetings

Conscious pausing

Gestures from the shoulders

7. Conclusion

Research clearly shows that successful presentations are based less on content than on presence and non-verbal communication. By consciously training the basic elements of breathing, posture, gestures and presence, leaders can significantly increase their presentation impact.

References

Anderson, C. (2016). TED Talks: The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking. Houghton Mifflin.

Cabane, O. F. (2012). The Charisma Myth. Portfolio.

Cuddy, A. et al. (2012). The Benefit of Power Posing. HBS Working Paper.

Goldin-Meadow, S. (2011). Learning Through Gesture. WIREs Cognitive Science.

Harvard Business Review. (2019). Guide to Persuasive Presentations.

Hewlett, S. A. (2014). Executive Presence. Harper Business.

McNeill, D. (2005). Gesture and Thought. University of Chicago Press.

Mehrabian, A. (2017). Nonverbal Communication. Routledge.

MIT Communication Lab. (2023). Virtual Presentation Best Practices.

Oliveros, P. (2005). Deep Listening. Deep Listening Publications.

Porges, S. W. (2011). The Polyvagal Theory. Norton.

Rock, D. (2009). Your Brain at Work. HarperBusiness.

Stanislavski, K. (1936). An Actor Prepares. Theatre Arts.