How to Improve Your Presentation Skills

Your presentation skills are just as essential as the information you are presenting. This article will help you prepare for a presentation and polish your speaking skills for a successful pitch.

Today, I will share 30 essential presentation skills that you can implement and deliver outstanding presentations to your audience. 

What are Presentation Skills?

Presentation skills are a set of competencies you have developed in your career that would create these final results: 

• Create an exceptional level of interaction with the audience;
• Transmit the visual/verbal messages with clarity and cohesion;
• Hold the attention of your audience; 
• Engage the audience with the presentation; 
• Persuade your audience to believe in your thoughts;
• Interpret and understand the mindsets of the listeners.

If you are presenting a project status report, you would like to be very convincing, trustable, and that your audience would understand 100% of what you said/presented. Note that deeply developed communication skills are mandatory to achieve these goals above. 

Why Are Presentation Skills Important?

Presentation skills are important because they help keep a presentation engaging, help the presenter communicate with confidence, and motivate the audience to listen carefully. As a final result, your audience is more likely to absorb more knowledge from your presentation, and you will be considered an excellent presenter. 

30 Essential Presentation Skills

Based on recommendations from Careerizma [1], Inc[2], Macmillan Study skills [3], WordStream [4], and UBC Wiki [5], effective presentation skills would have the following 30 ways to make your presentation sizzle:

1. Tell A Story

Steve Jobs sure knew how to impress – and it wasn't his signature black turtleneck that did the trick! He was a master storyteller, and with supremely effective presentation skills, he kept his audience riveted.

When you organize your material for your presentation, make sure you build a narrative and not allow the various aspects of your presentation to remain disjointed. All people love to hear stories; this is a great way to create engagement with your audience. 

2. Show Your Enthusiasm

The last thing you want to do is slip into 'presentation mode.' Stay casual, stay cool. And definitely don't spew jargon. Effective presentation skills mean you show enthusiasm or how passionate you are about your subject. If you don't, how can you expect your audience to be enthused?

Some people would take an energy drink and would listen to energetic music in my earphones before presenting. Why? It pumps them up and helps me turn jitters into focused enthusiasm. Studies have shown that an enthusiastic speech can win out over an eloquent one. These will make sure that you are as enthusiastic and energetic as possible before going on stage. Of course, individuals respond differently to caffeine overload, so know your own body before guzzling those monster energy drinks.

3. Dazzle them with your Charisma

Some leaders have it; others can, well, work on it. Deliver your presentation with poise, confidence, and don't get thrown when glitches arise.

Should the projector get stuck or pull up the wrong slide, use humor to tide over the moment. Excellent verbal/oral presentation skills are a part of being charismatic speakers, and they can make or break your presentation.

Remember, body language that compliments your verbal cues is equally crucial to keeping your audience engaged.

4. Arrive Early

It is always best to allow yourself plenty of time to settle in before your talk. Extra time ensures you won't be late (even if Google Maps shuts down) and gives you plenty of time to adapt to your presentation space.

Arrive early enough to check the equipment and seating areas you want them.

5. Prepare for the Presentation

1. Write out your main argument or conclusion, just as you would for a writing activity.
2. Write out the main points as headings and bullet points on a series of index cards or a sheet of paper. These will prompt your memory if you lose your place.
3. Visit the room and try out the technology. This will increase your confidence on the day.
4. Time yourself making the presentation. Cut it back if it is too long.
5. Have a clear and opening and closing line that refers directly to the main issue.

6. Don't Try to Cover Too Much Material

Your presentations should be full of useful, insightful, and actionable information, but that doesn't mean you should try to condense a vast and complex topic into a 10-minute presentation.

Knowing what to include and what to leave out is crucial to the success of an excellent presentation. I'm not suggesting you skimp when it comes to data or including useful slides, but I am advocating for a rigorous editing process. If it feels too off-topic, or is only marginally relevant to your main points, leave it out. You can always use the excess material in another presentation.

7. Research Your Subject

The fact that you are making a presentation itself suggests that you know your subject well, but researching it thoroughly will further enhance your delivery.

Nothing turns off the audience more than an ill-prepared speaker.

8. Know Your Audience

The nature of your audience will determine the language and depth of your presentation. The most important aspect of making a presentation is to consider the needs of the audience. If you read or repeat information 'off by heart' your performance will probably sound very flat and dull. There is also a higher risk that you will lose your place in your talk.

If you are a natural entertainer, then use these skills in your presentation. However, bear in mind the purpose of the presentation and how it will be assessed. Make sure you cover the essential information and that this comes across very clearly to the audience.

9. Speed Pacing

Many presentations, even those by professionals, may go wrong because people try to cover too much information in the time available. They then try and gabble their way through a set of bullet points at top speed, even though people cannot take in what is being said.

Cut out unnecessary information - and even information you think is valuable if it does not fit into the time allowed. You must be able to deliver the whole presentation at speed slower than your normal talking speech. This is necessary so that people can take in what you are saying and jot down some notes.

Talk more slowly than you feel necessary. Take a moment or two to breathe between each point.

10. Effective Visual Aids

Visuals like slides can be powerful tools to guide your audience through your presentation and help them, quite literally, imagine your idea.

Use them like pegs rather than a substitute for chunks of your lecture!

Get creative with your slides, and do not hesitate to seek help preparing them because they can form an integral part of your presentation.

If you use PowerPoint or similar software, avoid gimmicks such as jingles, animation, or sound effects that distract attention or slow down the presentation. If you 'fly-in' text, make sure you use the same method throughout the presentation.

Keep it simple. Use technology as a tool where it helps, rather than for the sake of it.

11. 10 - 20 - 30 Rule

In 2005, Guy Kawasaki, a venture capitalist in Silicon Valley, wrote on his blog about a rule of thumb in making great presentations. 

• 10 Slides: By having a limit of 10 slides, you will be managing the cognitive load for your audiences. They can easily follow the flow of your presentations. It also challenges you to design your presentations well: choose what's important and leave out what's unnecessary.
• 20 Minutes: By giving yourself limited time on your presentation, you are challenging yourself to leave out unnecessary details and focus on the important stories that will convey your message. Even if your session has been allotted with more time, you can devote the remaining minutes to discussions, questions, or any technique that involves audiences with your presentation.
• 30-size Font: Depending on the room and screen size, most audiences will be able to see text that is at least 30-size font. When designing your presentation, keep in mind that anything you show must be visible to everybody in attendance, especially those in the back. If you are concerned about fitting more text in a slide, always remember they do not necessarily make a better presentation.

12. 6 x 6 Rule

Following the 6 x 6 rule, limit any text to 6 words per line and 6 lines per slide. Similar to the 10 - 20 - 30 rule, it focuses on readability and conciseness. When used effectively, text can be useful in conveying ideas in presentations. Too much text though, can look monotonous and tiring for audiences to read. You are reminded to distill your thoughts into short lines and use your presence to expand into more detail. Audiences are there to listen and watch you, not read your slides.

13. Decode Numbers

Statistical data can do one of two things – turn off your audience like nothing else can or draw them in as nothing else can.

Numbers always tell a story but never toss them around carelessly. Use numbers sparingly and effectively, always to provide context to your subject matter.

14. Actively Engage the Audience

People love to talk and make their opinions heard, but the nature of presentations can often seem like a one-sided proposition. It doesn't have to be, though.

Asking the audience what they think, inviting questions, and other means of welcoming audience participation can boost engagement and make attendees feel like a part of a conversation. It also makes you, the presenter, seem much more relatable. Consider starting with a poll or survey. Don't be put off by unexpected questions – instead, see them as an opportunity to give your audience what they want.

15. Be Entertaining

Even if your presentation is packed with useful information, if your delivery bombs, so will your session.

I find that including some jokes and light-hearted slides is a great way to help the audience (and myself) feel more comfortable, especially when presenting them with a great deal of information. However, it's essential to maintain a balance – after all, you're not performing a stand-up routine, and people didn't come to your presentation with the sole intention of being entertained. That said, don't be afraid to inject a little humor into your talk. If you're not sure about whether a presentation is "too much," run through it for a couple of friends and ask them to tell it to you straight.

16. Admit You Don't Have All the Answers

Very few presenters are willing to publicly concede that they don't actually know everything because they feel it undermines their authority. However, since we all know that nobody can ever know everything about a given topic, admitting so in a presentation can actually improve your credibility.

If someone asks a question that stumps you, it's OK to admit it. This can also increase your credibility with the audience, as it demonstrates that, no matter how knowledgeable a person might be, we're all learning all the time. Nobody expects you to be an omniscient oracle of forbidden knowledge – they just want to learn from you.

17. Use a Power Stance

Practicing confident body language is another way to boost your pre-presentation jitters. When your body is physically demonstrating confidence, your mind will follow suit. While you don't want to be jutting out your chest in an alpha gorilla pose all afternoon (somebody enjoyed Dawn of the Planet of the Apes a bit too much), studies have shown that using power stances a few minutes before giving a talk (or heading to a big interview) creates a lasting sense of confidence and assurance. Whatever you do, don't sit--sitting is passive. Standing or walking a bit will help you harness those stomach bats (isn't that more appropriate than butterflies?). Before you go on stage, strike your best Power Ranger stance and hold your head high!

Appear confident:

     a) Shoulders back

     b) Arms at your sides or held in front of your body when making gestures

     c) Hands open or only slightly closed

     d) Smile slightly or keep your face neutral.

     e) Take long strides

     f) Make every movement purposeful and decided

     g) Treat props (like your resume or a handout) as though they are of value. Don't let a paper in your hand flap back and forth carelessly.

18. Drink Water

Dry mouth is a typical result of anxiety. Prevent cottonmouth blues by staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water before your talk (just don't forget to hit the bathroom before starting). Keep a bottle of water at arm's reach while presenting in case you get dry mouth while chatting up a storm. It also provides a solid object to hurl at potential hecklers. 

19. Your Closing Matters

The closing of your presentation is the last opportunity you have to give your audience something that will stick in their minds. You can go back to your opening or end on a clever slogan or a call to action. Parnell suggests that when making a business proposal, you end on a positive forecast. 'Your forecast will provide fodder that can serve to validate any subconsciously generated optimism,' he says.

20. Practice! 

Naturally, you will want to rehearse your presentation multiple times. While it can be difficult for those with packed schedules to spare time to practice, it is essential to deliver a rousing performance. If you really want to sound great, write out your speech rather than taking chances winging it – if you get nervous about speaking, a script is your best friend.

Try to practice where you will be delivering your talk. Some acting strategists suggest rehearsing lines in various positions – standing up, sitting down, with arms open wide, on one leg, while sitting on the toilet, etc. (OK, that last one may be optional.) The more you mix up your position and setting, the more comfortable you will feel with your speech. Do a practice run for a friend or colleague, or try recording your presentation and playing it back to evaluate which areas need work. Listening to recordings of your past talks can clue you in to bad habits you may be unaware of and inspire the age-old question: "Is that what I really sound like?"

21. Leave time for Questions

Even if the time available to you is brief, leave a few minutes to ask questions. This will indicate that you are confident about your material.

Prepare an 'additional point' to use up the time in case there are no questions.

22. Dos & Don'ts when using PowerPoint

Do:

1. Check that you have booked all the equipment you need well before your talk.
2. Plan what you want the audience to see and don't crowd the screen.
3. Use a good color contrast for background and image, and project it to check.
4. Give handouts with details, which wouldn't be clear on the screen.
5. Rehearse with all your visual material and the equipment you will be using.
6. Always have a backup in case of a disaster.
7. Relies heavily on images.

Don't:

1. Show paragraphs or long sentences on the screen.
2. Use fussy and distracting backgrounds.
3. Overdo punctuation: very little is needed in a visual aid.
4. Use over-complicated diagrams, which the audience won't be able to see clearly.
5. Use unnecessary and distracting movement on the screen.
6. Watch the computer screen instead of the audience.
7. Assume that you can use the equipment without trying it out.
8. Contains font smaller than 30pt.
9. Has more than six lines of text per slide.
10. Displays a logo on every slide (your audience won't forget who you are).

23. Six Important Things to Remember when you are Giving a Presentation

1. Introduce yourself by name.
2. Bring back up visual aids in case your PowerPoint presentation fails.
3. Slow down when you are speaking.
4. Make eye contact with the audience.
5. Smile.
6. Ask for questions from the audience after the presentation.

24. Presentation Opening 

Your opening should be something that makes an emotional connection with the audience. It can be a story, a question, or a shocking static. It should not be an introduction of yourself or five minutes of thank-yous. David Parnell, the founder of an attorney placement firm who recently finished an 850-page book on the psychology of effective communication, suggests that any stories you use should represent your audience's position in life and should use characters that are analogous to your audience.

25. Remember That Most Audiences Are Sympathetic

One of the hardest fears to shake when speaking in public is that the audience is secretly waiting to laugh at your missteps or mistakes. Fortunately, this isn't the case in the vast majority of presentations.

The audience wants to see you succeed. In fact, many people have a fear of public speaking, so even if the audience seems indifferent, the chances are pretty good that most people listening to your presentation can relate to how nerve-racking it can be. If you start to feel nervous, remind yourself that the audience gets it, and actually wants to see you nail it.

26. Take Deep Breaths

The go-to advice for jitters has truth to it. When we're nervous, our muscles tighten--you may even catch yourself holding your breath. Instead, take those deep breaths to get oxygen to your brain and relax your body.

27. Smile

Smiling increases endorphins, replacing anxiety with calm, and making you feel good about your presentation. Smiling also exhibits confidence and enthusiasm to the crowd. And this tip works even if you're doing a webinar and people can't see you.

Just don't overdo it – no one enjoys the maniacal clown look.

28. Exercise

Exercise earlier in the day prior to your presentation to boost endorphins, which will help alleviate anxiety.

29. Work on Your Pauses

When you're nervous, it's easy to speed up your presentation and end up talking too fast, which in turn causes you to run out of breath, get more nervous, and panic! Ahh!

Don't be afraid to slow down and use pauses in your speech. Pausing can be used to emphasize specific points and to help your talk feel more conversational. If you feel yourself losing control of your pacing, just take a nice pause and keep calm.

30. Don't Fight the Fear

Accept your fear rather than trying to fight it. Getting yourself worked up by wondering if people will notice your nervousness will only intensify your anxiety. Remember, those jitters aren't all bad – harness that nervous energy and transform it into positive enthusiasm, and you'll be golden.

Bibliography

1. Careerizma. https://www.careerizma.com/skills/presentation-skills/
2. Inc. https://www.inc.com/guides/how-to-improve-your-presentation-skills.html
3. Macmillan Study skills. https://www.macmillanihe.com/studentstudyskills/page/Presentation-skills/
4. WordStream. https://www.wordstream.com/blog/ws/2014/11/19/how-to-improve-presentation-skills
5. UBC Wiki. https://wiki.ubc.ca/Presentation_Skills#:~:text=Presentation%20skills%20are%20the%20skills,the%20body%20language%20you%20convey.