Presenting with authenticity and impact

Raise the Bar Raise the Bar Speakers

After more than 20 years of presenting to audiences ranging from small teams to large conferences, I've made most mistakes but in the process learned a thing or two!

No two events are the same but whether you're presenting to a boardroom of executives or a crowd of thousands, hopefully these will help you shine!

Nail your opener

The first few moments of your presentation are crucial. Think of your opener as the foundation for everything that follows. Get it right, and you'll set a confident tone not just for your audience, but for yourself too. Script and Practice this first few minutes in the lead up to the presentation will fill you with confidence and get you off to a great start.

You don’t need lots of slides

Slides can be helpful, but they're not the star of the show – you are. Too many slides can overwhelm your audience and detract from your message. Keep it simple. Focus on a few impactful visuals or key points that support your narrative. Remember, your audience is there to hear from you, not read bullet points off a screen.

Calm your nerves with a strategy that works for you

Even after decades of presenting, I still get nervous all the time. The trick is to have a strategy to manage them. For me, playing a video within the first three minutes of my presentation was a game-changer. It allowed me to focus on nailing the opening, and then while the video played, I had a moment to gather my thoughts and settle into the flow. Find what works for you – maybe it’s a deep breath, a joke, or a brief interaction with the audience.

Have a run through – Expect the unexpected

Even with practice, things can go awry. The microphone might fail, a slide might not load, or a question might catch you off guard. Running through your presentation helps you prepare for these curveballs. Be ready to adapt and stay calm – the audience will rarely notice a hiccup so don’t draw attention to it!

Move!

Staying glued to one spot makes it hard to convey energy and passion. Movement helps you connect with your audience and keeps them engaged. Walk around the stage and change your positioning to emphasize key points.

Use the Power of Three

There’s something magical about the number three. Our brains are wired to remember things in threes. Whether it’s three key points, three stories, or three takeaways, structuring your presentation in this way makes it more digestible and memorable for your audience.

Don’t fear big audiences

Oddly enough, big audiences can be easier to manage than small ones. With a large crowd, you're less likely to be interrupted whilst smaller groups, might ask questions, interrupt your flow, or challenge you on a point. Embrace the size of your audience and adjust your delivery to suit – just don’t let the numbers intimidate you, flip your perspective.

Be authentic – Be yourself

Audiences can spot a fake from a mile away. The best way to connect is to be yourself. Don’t try to mimic another speaker’s style. Find what feels natural to you and own it. Authenticity is compelling, and when you’re genuine, your audience is more likely to trust and engage with you. You don’t have to be perfect.. just passionate about your topic.

Break it down into manageable chunks

An hour-long presentation might seem daunting, but it’s much easier to manage when broken down into smaller sections. I typically cover 6-10 topics in an hour, which helps both me and the audience stay focused. Each chunk acts like a mini-presentation within the larger whole, making it more manageable and dynamic.

Smile!

It sounds simple, but a smile can work wonders. It sets the tone, puts your audience at ease, and helps you relax too. Smiling makes you appear more approachable and confident – and confidence is contagious.

Slow down and pause

Pacing is everything. It’s tempting to rush through a presentation, especially if nerves kick in, but slowing down can have a powerful effect. Pauses give your audience time to absorb your message and create anticipation for what’s coming next, it grabs their attention and creates a different energy.

Target key areas in the room

Making eye contact is crucial, but with large audiences, it can be tricky. Instead of trying to connect with every single person, focus on 4 or 5 key areas around the room. This ensures that everyone feels included and that your message resonates across the audience. It’s a simple tactic that makes a big difference.

Talk with confidence – Project from your stomach

Your voice is one of your most powerful tools. Speak with confidence, and project your voice from your diaphragm, not just your throat. This not only helps you be heard clearly, but it also adds authority and conviction to your message. Practice this, and you’ll notice a significant impact on how your audience perceives you.

These tips have served me well over the years, and I hope they help you deliver your next presentation with confidence – when you nail it there is nothing like it ??