How to present with impact

Today I am discussing presentations. By presentations; I don’t exclusively mean formal presentations where you are presenting to the board. I also mean presenting an idea; opinion; an update to a project; a recommendation or even speaking at an event. In all of these situations, how you present is equally important as what you say. A strong impactful presentation captures attention, inspires action and ensures your message is remembered..?

In today's fast-paced world, people are bombarded with information. If your delivery lacks energy, clarity, or confidence, your message can easily be overlooked or forgotten. But when you present with impact, you engage your audience, build credibility, and make a lasting impression. The key to achieving this? Start with purpose.

Before you say a word, ask yourself: Why am I presenting? What do I want my audience to think, feel, or do? When your presentation has a clear purpose, every word, slide, and gesture becomes more focused and powerful.

Five Essential Tips for Presenting with Impact

1. Start with Purpose – The foundation of a great presentation is knowing your "why." Before you speak, define your goal and ensure every part of your presentation supports it. When you communicate with a clear purpose, your message becomes more compelling and memorable.
2. Be Clear and Concise – Impactful presentations don’t overwhelm with information. Structure your content logically, use simple language, and highlight key messages so your audience can easily follow and retain what you say.
3. Use Your Voice and Body Language – The way you deliver your message shapes how it is received. Vary your tone, pace, and volume to maintain engagement, and use confident body language—such as open gestures and eye contact—to reinforce your presence.
4. Engage Your Audience – Great presenters don’t just speak; they connect. Ask questions, use storytelling, and involve your audience to turn your presentation into a conversation rather than a monologue.
5. Prepare, Practice, and Adapt – Confidence comes from preparation. Rehearse your delivery, anticipate questions, and stay flexible to adjust based on audience reactions or unexpected situations. A well-prepared presenter exudes authority and impact.

Want to elevate your presentation skills? I offer Presentation Skills Workshops and Masterclasses based on the SuperStar Communicator? methodology to help you present with confidence, clarity, and impact. All CPD accredited. ?? Get in touch today to book a session for yourself or your team! Email [email protected] or book a call

About the author:

Susan Heaton-Wright is the founder and creator of the SuperStar Communicator? methodology; international speaker, facilitator, coach, former international opera singer and podcaster.

Susan is best known for empowering emerging leaders all over the world to speak and communicate with clarity, confidence and credibility; through her speeches, by facilitating masterclasses and workshops and by coaching talented individuals. Since 2020 she has delivered virtual masterclasses and workshops to attendees from more than 130 countries world wide and has won a number of awards for her work.

She is curious for any changes in communication changes and especially in a technical world. Keeping the human element in communication is essential for the maximum impact! Susan co-hosts live streamed discussions with business leaders and is the co-host of the SuperStar Communicator Podcast.?

?I facilitate workshops - face to face and virtually on a range of topics:?

• Presentation Skills
• Public Speaking
• Assertiveness Skills
• Having difficult conversations
• Women in Leadership Communication
• How to Demonstrate Credibility
• How to be Positively Disruptive
• Networking Skills

These topics are also available as masterclasses.

I also coach talented people on being more impactful for career progression. Do contact me for more information on the one to one coaching services on communication skills I offer.

And as a speaker I deliver speeches on:

• How to demonstrate credibility
• Women in Leadership Communication
• Be a SuperStar Communicator: be seen, be heard, make an impact

Why not challenge your communication skills with our 30 Day planner. Purchase here.

When not working, Susan designs and sews her own wardrobe; surfs, swims and plays the viola in an orchestra. She fundraises for the Alzheimers Society, The Isabel Hospice and supports the St Albans PostBoxes Charity.

Why not connect with her on Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/susanheatonwright?

If you wish to arrange a call: you can book here: https://link.lemonadeplan.com/widget/appointment/superstarcommunicator/15m-chat?

Know someone who might be interested in this newsletter? Share it with them.