for presentation skill

Home Blog Education Presentation Skills 101: A Guide to Presentation Success

Presentation Skills 101: A Guide to Presentation Success

Getting the perfect presentation design is just a step toward a successful presentation. For the experienced user, building presentation skills is the answer to elevating the power of your message and showing expertise on any subject. Still, one can ask: is it the same set of skills, or are they dependable on the type of presentation?

In this article, we will introduce the different types of presentations accompanied by the skillset required to master them. The purpose, as always, is to retain the audience’s interest for a long-lasting and convincing message.

Table of Contents

The Importance of Presentation Skills

Persuasive presentations, instructional presentations, informative presentations, inspirational presentations, basic presentation skills, what are the main difficulties when giving a presentation, recommendations to improve your presentation skills, closing statement.

Effective communication is the answer to reaching business and academic goals. The scenarios in which we can be required to deliver a presentation are as diverse as one can imagine. Still, some core concepts apply to all presentations.

 We define presentation skills as a compendium of soft skills that directly affect your presentation performance and contribute to creating a great presentation. These are not qualities acquired by birth but skills you ought to train and master to delve into professional environments.

You may ask: is it really that evident when a presenter is not prepared? Here are some common signs people can experience during presentations:

• Evasive body language: Not making eye contact with the audience, arms closed tightly to the body, hands in pockets all the time.
• Lack of interest in the presenter’s voice: dull tone, not putting an effort to articulate the topics.
• Doubting when asked to answer a question
• Irksome mood

The list can go on about common presenter mistakes , and most certainly, it will affect the performance of any presented data if the lack of interest by the presenter is blatantly obvious.  Another element to consider is anxiety, and according to research by the National Institute of Mental Health, 73% of the population in the USA is affected by glossophobia , which is the fear of public speaking, judgment, or negative evaluation by other people.

Therefore, presentation skills training is essential for any business professional who wants to achieve effective communication . It will remove the anxiety from presentation performance and help users effectively deliver their message and connect with the audience.

Archetypes of presentations

Persuasive presentations aim to convince the audience – often in short periods – to acquire a product or service, adhere to a cause, or invest in a company. For business entrepreneurs or politicians, persuasive presentations are their tool for the trade.

Unless you aim to be perceived as an imposter, a proper persuasive presentation has the elements of facts, empathy, and logic, balanced under a well-crafted narrative. The central pillar of these presentations is to identify the single factor that gathered your audience: it could be a market need, a social cause, or a revolutionary concept for today’s society. It has to be something with enough power to gather critiques – both good and bad.

That single factor has to be backed up by facts. Research that builds your hypothesis on how to solve that problem. A deep understanding of the target audience’s needs , concerns, and social position regarding the solution your means can offer. When those elements are in place, building a pitch becomes an easy task. 

Graphics can help you introduce information in a compelling format, lowering the need for lengthy presentations. Good presentation skills for persuasive presentations go by the hand of filtering relevant data and creating the visual cues that resonate with what your audience demands.

One powerful example of a persuasive presentation is the technique known as the elevator pitch . You must introduce your idea or product convincingly to the audience in a timeframe between 30 seconds and less than 2 minutes. You have to expose:

• What do you do 
• What’s the problem to solve
• Why is your solution different from others 
• Why should the audience care about your expertise

For that very purpose, using engaging graphics with contrasting colors elevates the potential power of your message. It speaks professionalism, care for details, and out-of-the-box thinking. Knowing how to end a presentation is also critical, as your CTAs should be placed with care.

Therefore, let’s resume the requirements of persuasive presentations in terms of good presentation skills:

• Identifying problems and needs
• Elaborating “the hook” (the element that grabs the audience’s attention)
• Knowing how to “tie” your audience (introducing a piece of information related to the hook that causes an emotional impact)
• Broad knowledge of body language and hand gestures to quickly convey your message
• Being prepared to argue a defense of your point of view
• Handling rejection
• Having a proactive attitude to convert opportunities into new projects
• Using humor, surprise, or personal anecdotes as elements to sympathize with the audience
• Having confidence
• Be able to summarize facts and information in visually appealing ways

You can learn more about persuasive presentation techniques by clicking here .

In the case of instructional presentations, we ought to differentiate two distinctive types:

• Lecture Presentations : Presentations being held at universities or any other educative institution. Those presentations cover, topic by topic, and the contents of a syllabus and are created by the team of teachers in charge of the course.
• Training Presentations : These presentations take place during in-company training sessions and usually comprise a good amount of content that is resumed into easy-to-take solutions. They are aimed to coach employees over certain topics relevant to their work performance. The 70-20-10 Model is frequently used to address these training situations.

Lecture presentations appeal to the gradual introduction of complex concepts, following a structure set in the course’s syllabus. These presentations often have a similar aesthetic as a group of professors or researchers created to share their knowledge about a topic. Personal experience does tell that course presentations often rely on factual data, adequately documented, and on the theoretical side.

An example of a presentation that lies under this concept is a Syllabus Presentation, used by the teaching team to introduce the subject to new students, evaluation methods, concepts to be learned, and expectations to pass the course.

On the other hand, training presentations are slide decks designed to meet an organization’s specific needs in the formal education of their personnel. Commonly known as “continuous education,” plenty of companies invest resources in coaching their employees to achieve higher performance results. These presentations have the trademark of being concise since their idea is to introduce the concepts that shall be applied in practice sessions. 

Ideally, the training presentations are introduced with little text and easy-to-recognize visual cues. Since the idea is to summarize as much as possible, these are visually appealing for the audience. They must be dynamic enough to allow the presenter to convey the message.

Those key takeaways remind employees when they revisit their learning resources and allow them to ruminate on questions that fellow workers raise. 

To sum up this point, building presentation skills for instructional presentations requires:

• Ability to put complex concepts into simpler words
• Patience and a constant learning mindset
• Voice training to deliver lengthy speeches without being too dense
• Ability to summarize points and note the key takeaways
• Empathizing with the audience to understand their challenges in the learning process

The informative presentations take place in business situations, such as when to present project reports from different departments to the management. Another potential usage of these presentations is in SCRUM or other Agile methodologies, when a sprint is completed, to discuss the advance of the project with the Product Owner.

As they are presentations heavily dependent on data insights, it’s common to see the usage of infographics and charts to express usually dense data in simpler terms and easy to remember. 

Informative presentations don’t just fall into the business category. Ph.D. Dissertation and Thesis presentations are topics that belong to the informative presentations category as they condense countless research hours into manageable reports for the academic jury. 

Since these informational presentations can be perceived as lengthy and data-filled, it is important to learn the following professional presentation skills:

• Attention to detail
• Be able to explain complex information in simpler terms
• Creative thinking
• Powerful diction
• Working on pauses and transitions
• Pacing the presentation, so not too much information is divulged per slide

The leading inspirational platform, TEDx, comes to mind when talking about inspirational presentations. This presentation format has the peculiarity of maximizing the engagement with the audience to divulge a message, and due to that, it has specific requirements any presenter must meet.

This presentation format usually involves a speaker on a stage, either sitting or better standing, in which the presenter engages with the audience with a storytelling format about a life experience, a job done that provided a remarkable improvement for society, etc.

Empathizing with the audience is the key ingredient for these inspirational presentations. Still, creativity is what shapes the outcome of your performance as people are constantly looking for different experiences – not the same recipe rephrased with personal touches. The human factor is what matters here, way above data and research. What has your experience to offer to others? How can it motivate another human being to pursue a similar path or discover their true calling?

To achieve success in terms of communication skills presentation, these inspirational presentations have the following requirements:

• Focus on the audience (engage, consider their interests, and make them a part of your story)
• Putting ego aside
• Creative communication skills
• Storytelling skills
• Body language knowledge to apply the correct gestures to accompany your story
• Voice training
• Using powerful words

After discussing the different kinds of presentations we can come across at any stage of our lives, a group of presentation skills is standard in any type of presentation. See below what makes a good presentation and which skills you must count on to succeed as a presenter.

Punctuality

Punctuality is a crucial aspect of giving an effective presentation. Nothing says more about respect for your audience and the organization you represent than delivering the presentation on time . Arriving last minute puts pressure on the tech team behind audiovisuals, as they don’t have enough preparation to test microphones, stage lights, and projector settings, which can lead to a less powerful presentation Even when discussing presentations hosted in small rooms for a reduced audience, testing the equipment becomes essential for an effective presentation.

A solution for this is to arrive at least 30 minutes early. Ideally, one hour is a sweet spot since the AV crew has time to check the gear and requirements for your presentation. Another benefit of this, for example, in inspirational presentations, is measuring the previous presenter’s impact on the audience. This gives insights about how to resonate with the public, and their interest, and how to accommodate your presentation for maximum impact.

Body Language

Our bodies can make emotions transparent for others, even when we are unaware of such a fact. Proper training for body language skills reduces performance anxiety, giving the audience a sense of expertise about the presented topic. 

Give your presentation and the audience the respect they deserve by watching over these potential mistakes:

• Turning your back to the audience for extended periods : It’s okay to do so when introducing an important piece of information or explaining a graph, but it is considered rude to give your back to the audience constantly.
• Fidgeting : We are all nervous in the presence of strangers, even more, if we are the center of attention for that moment. Instead of playing with your hair or making weird hand gestures, take a deep breath to center yourself before the presentation and remember that everything you could do to prepare is already done. Trust your instincts and give your best.
• Intense eye contact : Have you watched a video where the presenter stared at the camera the entire time? That’s the feeling you transmit to spectators through intense eye contact. It’s a practice often used by politicians to persuade.
• Swearing : This is a no-brainer. Even when you see influencers swearing on camera or in podcasts or live presentations, it is considered an informal and lousy practice for business and academic situations. If you have a habit to break when it comes to this point, find the humor in these situations and replace your swear words with funny alternatives (if the presentation allows for it). 

Voice Tone plays a crucial role in delivering effective presentations and knowing how to give a good presentation. Your voice is a powerful tool for exposing your ideas and feelings . Your voice can articulate the message you are telling, briefing the audience if you feel excited about what you are sharing or, in contrast, if you feel the presentation is a burden you ought to complete.

Remember, passion is a primary ingredient in convincing people. Therefore, transmitting such passion with a vibrant voice may help gather potential business partners’ interest.  

But what if you feel sick prior to the presentation? If, by chance, your throat is sore minutes before setting foot on the stage, try this: when introducing yourself, mention that you are feeling a bit under the weather. This resonates with the audience to pay more attention to your efforts. In case you don’t feel comfortable about that, ask the organizers for a cup of tea, as it will settle your throat and relax your nerves.

Tech Skills

Believe it or not, people still feel challenged by technology these days. Maybe that’s the reason why presentation giants like Tony Robbins opt not to use PowerPoint presentations . The reality is that there are plenty of elements involved in a presentation that can go wrong from the tech side:

• A PDF not opening
• Saving your presentation in a too-recent PowerPoint version
• A computer not booting up
• Mac laptops and their never-ending compatibility nightmare
• Not knowing how to change between slides
• Not knowing how to use a laser pointer
• Internet not working
• Audio not working

We can come up with a pretty long list of potential tech pitfalls, and yet more than half of them fall in presenters not being knowledgeable about technology.

If computers aren’t your thing, let the organization know about this beforehand. There is always a crew member available to help presenters switch between slides or configure the presentation for streaming. This takes the pressure off your shoulders, allowing you to concentrate on the content to present. Remember, even Bill Gates can get a BSOD during a presentation .

Presentations, while valuable for conveying information and ideas, can be daunting for many individuals. Here are some common difficulties people encounter when giving presentations:

Public Speaking Anxiety

Glossophobia, the fear of public speaking, affects a significant portion of the population. This anxiety can lead to nervousness, trembling, and forgetfulness during a presentation.

Lack of Confidence

Many presenters struggle with self-doubt, fearing that they may not be knowledgeable or skilled enough to engage their audience effectively.

Content Organization

Organizing information in a coherent and engaging manner can be challenging. Presenters often grapple with how to structure their content to make it easily digestible for the audience.

Audience Engagement

Keeping the audience’s attention and interest throughout the presentation can be difficult. Distractions, disengaged attendees, or lack of interaction can pose challenges.

Technical Issues

Technology glitches, such as malfunctioning equipment, incompatible file formats, or poor internet connectivity, can disrupt presentations and increase stress.

Time Management

Striking the right balance between providing enough information and staying within time limits is a common challenge. Going over or under the allotted time can affect the effectiveness of the presentation.

Handling Questions and Challenges

Responding to unexpected questions, criticism, or challenges from the audience can be difficult, especially when presenters are unprepared or lack confidence in their subject matter.

Visual Aids and Technology

Creating and effectively using visual aids like slides or multimedia can be a struggle for some presenters. Technical competence is essential in this aspect.

Language and Articulation

Poor language skills or unclear articulation can hinder effective communication. Presenters may worry about stumbling over words or failing to convey their message clearly.

Maintaining appropriate and confident body language can be challenging. Avoiding nervous habits, maintaining eye contact, and using gestures effectively requires practice.

Overcoming Impersonal Delivery

In virtual presentations, maintaining a personal connection with the audience can be difficult. The absence of face-to-face interaction can make it challenging to engage and read the audience.

Cultural and Diversity Awareness

Presenting to diverse audiences requires sensitivity to cultural differences and varying levels of familiarity with the topic.

In this section, we gathered some tips on how to improve presentation skills that can certainly make an impact if applied to your presentation skills. We believe these skills can be cultivated to transform into habits for your work routine.

Tip #1: Build a narrative

One memorable way to guarantee presentation success is by writing a story of all the points you desire to cover. This statement is based on the logic behind storytelling and its power to connect with people .

Don’t waste time memorizing slides or reading your presentation to the audience. It feels unnatural, and any question that diverts from the topic in discussion certainly puts you in jeopardy or, worse, exposes you as a fraud in the eyes of the audience. And before you ask, it is really evident when a presenter has a memorized speech. 

Build and rehearse the presentation as if telling a story to a group of interested people. Lower the language barrier by avoiding complex terms that maybe even you aren’t fully aware of their meaning. Consider the ramifications of that story, what it could lead to, and which are the opportunities to explore. Then, visualize yourself giving the presentation in a natural way.

Applying this technique makes the presentation feel like second nature to you. It broadens the spectrum in which you can show expertise over a topic or even build the basis for new interesting points of view about the project.

Tip #2: Don’t talk for more than 3 minutes per slide

It is a common practice of presenters to bombard the audience with facts and information whilst retaining the same slide on the screen. Why can this happen? It could be because the presenter condensed the talk into very few slides and preferred to talk. The reality is that your spectators won’t retain the information you are giving unless you give visual cues to help that process. 

Opt to prepare more slides and pace your speech to match the topics shown on each slide. Don’t spend more than 3 minutes per slide unless you have to introduce a complex piece of data. Use visual cues to direct the spectators about what you talk about, and summarize the principal concepts discussed at the end of each section.

Tip #3: Practice meditation daily

Anxiety is the number one enemy of professional presenters. It slowly builds without you being aware of your doubts and can hinder your performance in multiple ways: making you feel paralyzed, fidgeting, making you forget language skills or concepts, affecting your health, etc.

Meditation is an ancient practice taken from Buddhist teachings that train your mind to be here in the present. We often see the concepts of meditation and mindfulness as synonyms, whereas you should be aware that meditation is a practice that sets the blocks to reach a state of mindfulness. For presenters, being in the here and now is essential to retain focus, but meditation techniques also teach us to control our breathing and be in touch with our body signals when stress builds up. 

The customary practice of meditation has an impact on imagination and creativity but also helps to build patience – a skill much needed for connecting with your audience in instructional presentations.

Having the proper set of presentation skills can be quite subjective. It goes beyond presentation tips and deepens into how flexible we can be in our ability to communicate ideas.

Different presentations and different audiences shape the outcome of our efforts. Therefore, having a basic understanding of how to connect, raise awareness, and empathize with people can be key ingredients for your career as a presenter. A word of advice: success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes dedication and patience to build communication skills . Don’t condition your work to believe you will be ready “someday”; it’s best to practice and experience failure as part of the learning process.

Like this article? Please share

Business Presentations, Presentation Approaches, Presentation Skills Filed under Education

Related Articles

Filed under Presentation Ideas • February 29th, 2024

How to Make a Fundraising Presentation (with Thermometer Templates & Slides)

Meet a new framework to design fundraising presentations by harnessing the power of fundraising thermometer templates. Detailed guide with examples.

Filed under Presentation Ideas • February 15th, 2024

How to Create a 5 Minutes Presentation

Master the art of short-format speeches like the 5 minutes presentation with this article. Insights on content structure, audience engagement and more.

Filed under Design • February 9th, 2024

How To Apply the 7×7 Rule in PowerPoint

Avoid dull or unclear presentation slides by implementing the 7×7 rule in PowerPoint presentation design. Check it out here.

Leave a Reply

How it works

Transform your enterprise with the scalable mindsets, skills, & behavior change that drive performance.

Explore how BetterUp connects to your core business systems.

We pair AI with the latest in human-centered coaching to drive powerful, lasting learning and behavior change.

Build leaders that accelerate team performance and engagement.

Unlock performance potential at scale with AI-powered curated growth journeys.

Build resilience, well-being and agility to drive performance across your entire enterprise.

Transform your business, starting with your sales leaders.

Unlock business impact from the top with executive coaching.

Foster a culture of inclusion and belonging.

Accelerate the performance and potential of your agencies and employees.

See how innovative organizations use BetterUp to build a thriving workforce.

Discover how BetterUp measurably impacts key business outcomes for organizations like yours.

A demo is the first step to transforming your business. Meet with us to develop a plan for attaining your goals.

• What is coaching?

Learn how 1:1 coaching works, who its for, and if it's right for you.

Accelerate your personal and professional growth with the expert guidance of a BetterUp Coach.

Types of Coaching

Navigate career transitions, accelerate your professional growth, and achieve your career goals with expert coaching.

Enhance your communication skills for better personal and professional relationships, with tailored coaching that focuses on your needs.

Find balance, resilience, and well-being in all areas of your life with holistic coaching designed to empower you.

Discover your perfect match : Take our 5-minute assessment and let us pair you with one of our top Coaches tailored just for you.

Best practices, research, and tools to fuel individual and business growth.

View on-demand BetterUp events and learn about upcoming live discussions.

The latest insights and ideas for building a high-performing workplace.

• BetterUp Briefing

The online magazine that helps you understand tomorrow's workforce trends, today.

Innovative research featured in peer-reviewed journals, press, and more.

Founded in 2022 to deepen the understanding of the intersection of well-being, purpose, and performance

We're on a mission to help everyone live with clarity, purpose, and passion.

Join us and create impactful change.

Read the buzz about BetterUp.

Meet the leadership that's passionate about empowering your workforce.

For Business

For Individuals

6 presentation skills and how to improve them

Understand Yourself Better:

Big 5 Personality Test

Jump to section

What are presentation skills?

The importance of presentation skills, 6 presentation skills examples, how to improve presentation skills.

Tips for dealing with presentation anxiety

Learn how to captivate an audience with ease

Capturing an audience’s attention takes practice. 

Over time, great presenters learn how to organize their speeches and captivate an audience from start to finish. They spark curiosity, know how to read a room , and understand what their audience needs to walk away feeling like they learned something valuable.

Regardless of your profession, you most likely use presentation skills on a monthly or even weekly basis. Maybe you lead brainstorming sessions or host client calls. 

Developing effective presentation skills makes it easier to contribute ideas with confidence and show others you’re someone to trust. Although speaking in front of a crowd sometimes brings nerves and anxiety , it also sparks new opportunities.

Presentation skills are the qualities and abilities you need to communicate ideas effectively and deliver a compelling speech. They influence how you structure a presentation and how an audience receives it. Understanding body language , creating impactful visual aids, and projecting your voice all fall under this umbrella.

A great presentation depends on more than what you say. It’s about how you say it. Storytelling , stage presence, and voice projection all shape how well you express your ideas and connect with the audience. These skills do take practice, but they’re worth developing — especially if public speaking makes you nervous. 

Engaging a crowd isn’t easy. You may feel anxious to step in front of an audience and have all eyes and ears on you.

But feeling that anxiety doesn’t mean your ideas aren’t worth sharing. Whether you’re giving an inspiring speech or delivering a monthly recap at work, your audience is there to listen to you. Harness that nervous energy and turn it into progress.

Strong presentation skills make it easier to convey your thoughts to audiences of all sizes. They can help you tell a compelling story, convince people of a pitch , or teach a group something entirely new to them. And when it comes to the workplace, the strength of your presentation skills could play a part in getting a promotion or contributing to a new initiative.

To fully understand the impact these skills have on creating a successful presentation, it’s helpful to look at each one individually. Here are six valuable skills you can develop:

1. Active listening

Active listening is an excellent communication skill for any professional to hone. When you have strong active listening skills, you can listen to others effectively and observe their nonverbal cues . This helps you assess whether or not your audience members are engaged in and understand what you’re sharing. 

Great public speakers use active listening to assess the audience’s reactions and adjust their speech if they find it lacks impact. Signs like slouching, negative facial expressions, and roaming eye contact are all signs to watch out for when giving a presentation.

2. Body language

If you’re researching presentation skills, chances are you’ve already watched a few notable speeches like TED Talks or industry seminars. And one thing you probably noticed is that speakers can capture attention with their body language. 

A mixture of eye contact, hand gestures , and purposeful pacing makes a presentation more interesting and engaging. If you stand in one spot and don’t move your body, the audience might zone out.

3. Stage presence

A great stage presence looks different for everyone. A comedian might aim for more movement and excitement, and a conference speaker might focus their energy on the content of their speech. Although neither is better than the other, both understand their strengths and their audience’s needs. 

Developing a stage presence involves finding your own unique communication style . Lean into your strengths, whether that’s adding an injection of humor or asking questions to make it interactive . To give a great presentation, you might even incorporate relevant props or presentation slides.

4. Storytelling

According to Forbes, audiences typically pay attention for about 10 minutes before tuning out . But you can lengthen their attention span by offering a presentation that interests them for longer. Include a narrative they’ll want to listen to, and tell a story as you go along. 

Shaping your content to follow a clear narrative can spark your audience’s curiosity and entice them to pay careful attention. You can use anecdotes from your personal or professional life that take your audience along through relevant moments. If you’re pitching a product, you can start with a problem and lead your audience through the stages of how your product provides a solution.

5. Voice projection

Although this skill may be obvious, you need your audience to hear what you’re saying. This can be challenging if you’re naturally soft-spoken and struggle to project your voice.

Remember to straighten your posture and take deep breaths before speaking, which will help you speak louder and fill the room. If you’re talking into a microphone or participating in a virtual meeting, you can use your regular conversational voice, but you still want to sound confident and self-assured with a strong tone.

If you’re unsure whether everyone can hear you, you can always ask the audience at the beginning of your speech and wait for confirmation. That way, they won’t have to potentially interrupt you later.

Ensuring everyone can hear you also includes your speed and annunciation. It’s easy to speak quickly when nervous, but try to slow down and pronounce every word. Mumbling can make your presentation difficult to understand and pay attention to.

6. Verbal communication 

Although verbal communication involves your projection and tone, it also covers the language and pacing you use to get your point across. This includes where you choose to place pauses in your speech or the tone you use to emphasize important ideas.

If you’re giving a presentation on collaboration in the workplace , you might start your speech by saying, “There’s something every workplace needs to succeed: teamwork.” By placing emphasis on the word “ teamwork ,” you give your audience a hint on what ideas will follow.

To further connect with your audience through diction, pay careful attention to who you’re speaking to. The way you talk to your colleagues might be different from how you speak to a group of superiors, even if you’re discussing the same subject. You might use more humor and a conversational tone for the former and more serious, formal diction for the latter.

Everyone has strengths and weaknesses when it comes to presenting. Maybe you’re confident in your use of body language, but your voice projection needs work. Maybe you’re a great storyteller in small group settings, but need to work on your stage presence in front of larger crowds. 

The first step to improving presentation skills is pinpointing your gaps and determining which qualities to build upon first. Here are four tips for enhancing your presentation skills:

1. Build self-confidence

Confident people know how to speak with authority and share their ideas. Although feeling good about your presentation skills is easier said than done, building confidence is key to helping your audience believe in what you’re saying. Try practicing positive self-talk and continuously researching your topic's ins and outs.

If you don’t feel confident on the inside, fake it until you make it. Stand up straight, project your voice, and try your best to appear engaged and excited. Chances are, the audience doesn’t know you’re unsure of your skills — and they don’t need to.

Another tip is to lean into your slideshow, if you’re using one. Create something colorful and interesting so the audience’s eyes fall there instead of on you. And when you feel proud of your slideshow, you’ll be more eager to share it with others, bringing more energy to your presentation.

2. Watch other presentations

Developing the soft skills necessary for a good presentation can be challenging without seeing them in action. Watch as many as possible to become more familiar with public speaking skills and what makes a great presentation. You could attend events with keynote speakers or view past speeches on similar topics online.

Take a close look at how those presenters use verbal communication and body language to engage their audiences. Grab a notebook and jot down what you enjoyed and your main takeaways. Try to recall the techniques they used to emphasize their main points, whether they used pauses effectively, had interesting visual aids, or told a fascinating story.

3. Get in front of a crowd

You don’t need a large auditorium to practice public speaking. There are dozens of other ways to feel confident and develop good presentation skills.

If you’re a natural comedian, consider joining a small stand-up comedy club. If you’re an avid writer, participate in a public poetry reading. Even music and acting can help you feel more comfortable in front of a crowd.

If you’d rather keep it professional, you can still work on your presentation skills in the office. Challenge yourself to participate at least once in every team meeting, or plan and present a project to become more comfortable vocalizing your ideas. You could also speak to your manager about opportunities that flex your public speaking abilities.

4. Overcome fear

Many people experience feelings of fear before presenting in front of an audience, whether those feelings appear as a few butterflies or more severe anxiety. Try grounding yourself to shift your focus to the present moment. If you’re stuck dwelling on previous experiences that didn’t go well, use those mistakes as learning experiences and focus on what you can improve to do better in the future.

Tips for dealing with presentation anxiety 

It’s normal to feel nervous when sharing your ideas. In fact, according to a report from the Journal of Graduate Medical Education, public speaking anxiety is prevalent in 15–30% of the general population .

Even though having a fear of public speaking is common, it doesn’t make it easier. You might feel overwhelmed, become stiff, and forget what you were going to say. But although the moment might scare you, there are ways to overcome the fear and put mind over matter.

Use these tactics to reduce your stress when you have to make a presentation:

1. Practice breathing techniques

If you experience anxiety often, you’re probably familiar with breathing techniques for stress relief . Incorporating these exercises into your daily routine can help you stop worrying and regulate anxious feelings. 

Before a big presentation, take a moment alone to practice breathing techniques, ground yourself, and reduce tension. It’s also a good idea to take breaths throughout the presentation to speak slower and calm yourself down .

2. Get organized

The more organized you are, the more prepared you’ll feel. Carefully outline all of the critical information you want to use in your presentation, including your main talking points and visual aids, so you don’t forget anything. Use bullet points and visuals on each slide to remind you of what you want to talk about, and create handheld notes to help you stay on track.

3. Embrace moments of silence

It’s okay to lose your train of thought. It happens to even the most experienced public speakers once in a while. If your mind goes blank, don’t panic. Take a moment to breathe, gather your thoughts, and refer to your notes to see where you left off. You can drink some water or make a quick joke to ease the silence or regain your footing. And it’s okay to say, “Give me a moment while I find my notes.” Chances are, people understand the position you’re in.

4. Practice makes progress

Before presenting, rehearse in front of friends and family members you trust. This gives you the chance to work out any weak spots in your speech and become comfortable communicating out loud. If you want to go the extra mile, ask your makeshift audience to ask a surprise question. This tests your on-the-spot thinking and will prove that you can keep cool when things come up.

Whether you’re new to public speaking or are a seasoned presenter, you’re bound to make a few slip-ups. It happens to everyone. The most important thing is that you try your best, brush things off, and work on improving your skills to do better in your next presentation.

Although your job may require a different level of public speaking than your favorite TED Talk , developing presentation skills is handy in any profession. You can use presentation skills in a wide range of tasks in the workplace, whether you’re sharing your ideas with colleagues, expressing concerns to higher-ups, or pitching strategies to potential clients.

Remember to use active listening to read the room and engage your audience with an interesting narrative. Don’t forget to step outside your comfort zone once in a while and put your skills to practice in front of a crowd. After facing your fears, you’ll feel confident enough to put presentation skills on your resume.

If you’re trying to build your skills and become a better employee overall, try a communications coach with BetterUp. 

Elizabeth Perry

Content Marketing Manager, ACC

The importance of good speech: 5 tips to be more articulate

The 11 tips that will improve your public speaking skills, goal-setting theory: why it’s important, and how to use it at work, learn types of gestures and their meanings to improve your communication, discover how to get noticed by upper management at work, make the connection: 10 effective ways to connect with people, what’s my earning potential determining the right salary, how to write a speech that your audience remembers, what is corporate learning (it’s not what you think it is), and why is it important, similar articles, 8 tip to improve your public speaking skills, 30 presentation feedback examples, how to not be nervous for a presentation — 13 tips that work (really), your ultimate guide on how to be a good storyteller, how to give a good presentation that captivates any audience, 8 clever hooks for presentations (with tips), how to make a presentation interactive and exciting, stay connected with betterup, get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research..

3100 E 5th Street, Suite 350 Austin, TX 78702

• Platform Overview
• Integrations
• Powered by AI
• BetterUp Lead
• BetterUp Manage™
• BetterUp Care™
• Sales Performance
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Case Studies
• Why BetterUp?
• About Coaching
• Find your Coach
• Career Coaching
• Communication Coaching
• Life Coaching
• News and Press
• Leadership Team
• Become a BetterUp Coach
• BetterUp Labs
• Center for Purpose & Performance
• Leadership Training
• Business Coaching
• Contact Support
• Contact Sales
• Privacy Policy
• Acceptable Use Policy
• Trust & Security
• Cookie Preferences

• SUGGESTED TOPICS
• The Magazine
• Newsletters
• Managing Yourself
• Managing Teams
• Work-life Balance
• The Big Idea
• Data & Visuals
• Reading Lists
• Case Selections
• HBR Learning
• Topic Feeds
• Account Settings
• Email Preferences

What It Takes to Give a Great Presentation

• Carmine Gallo

Five tips to set yourself apart.

Never underestimate the power of great communication. It can help you land the job of your dreams, attract investors to back your idea, or elevate your stature within your organization. But while there are plenty of good speakers in the world, you can set yourself apart out by being the person who can deliver something great over and over. Here are a few tips for business professionals who want to move from being good speakers to great ones: be concise (the fewer words, the better); never use bullet points (photos and images paired together are more memorable); don’t underestimate the power of your voice (raise and lower it for emphasis); give your audience something extra (unexpected moments will grab their attention); rehearse (the best speakers are the best because they practice — a lot).

I was sitting across the table from a Silicon Valley CEO who had pioneered a technology that touches many of our lives — the flash memory that stores data on smartphones, digital cameras, and computers. He was a frequent guest on CNBC and had been delivering business presentations for at least 20 years before we met. And yet, the CEO wanted to sharpen his public speaking skills.

• Carmine Gallo is a Harvard University instructor, keynote speaker, and author of 10 books translated into 40 languages. Gallo is the author of The Bezos Blueprint: Communication Secrets of the World’s Greatest Salesman  (St. Martin’s Press).

Partner Center

We use essential cookies to make Venngage work. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.

Manage Cookies

Cookies and similar technologies collect certain information about how you’re using our website. Some of them are essential, and without them you wouldn’t be able to use Venngage. But others are optional, and you get to choose whether we use them or not.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are always on, as they’re essential for making Venngage work, and making it safe. Without these cookies, services you’ve asked for can’t be provided.

Show cookie providers

• Google Login

Functionality Cookies

These cookies help us provide enhanced functionality and personalisation, and remember your settings. They may be set by us or by third party providers.

Performance Cookies

These cookies help us analyze how many people are using Venngage, where they come from and how they're using it. If you opt out of these cookies, we can’t get feedback to make Venngage better for you and all our users.

• Google Analytics

Targeting Cookies

These cookies are set by our advertising partners to track your activity and show you relevant Venngage ads on other sites as you browse the internet.

• Google Tag Manager
• Infographics
• Daily Infographics
• Graphic Design
• Graphs and Charts
• Data Visualization
• Human Resources
• Training and Development
• Beginner Guides

Blog Beginner Guides

9 Tips for Improving Your Presentation Skills For Your Next Meeting

By Hannah Tow , Feb 03, 2020

Presenting to an audience is one thing, but presenting ideas in a persuasive manner to the key stakeholders of your business is a whole other ball game.

The fact of the matter is that successfully presenting to a room full of people is a skill that’s mastered by very few. It takes practice, practice, and even more practice to start feeling comfortable with everyone’s eyes focused on you so you can effectively get your point across. 

The reality of presenting is that you can’t escape it. Especially as you start to move up in your career. If you’re yearning to improve, this article will walk you through the top nine tips to use to enhance your presentation skills for your next big meeting as well as throughout your life. Let’s get started.

9 top tips for improving your presentation skills:

• Practice speaking in front of others
• Use less text and more visuals in your presentation
• Leverage your personality
• Welcome questions and comments during
• Be passionate and engaging
• Maintain eye contact with your audience
• Obsess over your listeners
• Focus on confident body language
• Keep it as short as possible

Constantly practicing, refining and improving upon your presentation skills will not only make you a more confident individual, but you will find that you rise quicker to success in your career. However, having great presentation skills does not just affect your work-life. Great presentation skills are truly life skills that you should integrate into more areas than just the conference room.

1. Practice speaking in front of others 

Practice always makes perfect. 

It doesn’t matter how well you know what you’re talking about, the moment you have to persuade, engage, or teach in front of an audience, you will probably stumble a bit. This is a natural reaction that affects pretty much everyone when all eyes are pointed in one direction and the anxiety sets in. 

It’s important to remember that the overwhelming feeling of stress you probably feel is the result of your unfamiliarity with the situation, not from your lack of preparedness. The more comfortable you are with taking the stage and having everyone’s attention on you, the less nervous you’ll get. 

The greater confidence you have in your presentation skills will allow you to focus on what actually matters–which is the material that you’re presenting. 

The best way to implement this practice is by starting off small. Prepare a presentation to give to your friends, family, or closest co-workers. This sounds easy, but you will learn that it’s not necessarily who is listening to you that causes nerves, but it’s the fact that all of the attention is on you. 

You’ll become more comfortable with the attention when you begin practicing in front of others more often, which will allow you to effectively present your ideas next time it’s your turn to speak in the conference room.

RELATED: Learn the top ten public speaking tips to better prepare you for your practice sessions. 

2. Use less text and more visuals in your presentation

We’ve all been there before: sitting at the conference table trying our very best to stay interested and engaged with the presentation before us. The presentation lacks color, images, and all sense of creativity while containing an over-abundance of text and long-form paragraphs. 

These types of presentations are horrible for two reasons: 

The first reason being that the minute you have words on the screen, your audience will direct their attention away from you to begin reading and completely tune you out. 

The second reason is if your presentation skills are poor, not only will your presentation be dull to listen to, but it will be unbelievably boring to look at as well. You’ll quickly find out how easy it is to lose most of the room’s attention when you create a lackluster presentation. 

If you feel lost attempting to design your slides into an exciting work of art, try using creative presentation templates . PowerPoint templates make it simple to produce something beautiful, and they can also make you feel like an accomplished designer after seeing the outcome, such as this business presentation example . 

In addition to nicely designed slides, you should always try to use infographics and charts to help you better summarize the complex information you’re relaying to your audience. It will be much easier for your listeners to understand what you’re explaining when they have something to visualize it with. Plus, there are plenty of resources out there to help you craft these visuals.

Learn how to make an infographic in five easy steps or produce an impressive graph .

If you feel worried that your presentation doesn’t hold enough content, you must remember the main reason for visual aids: 

They are to enhance what you’re speaking about, not lead it! 

If you’ve done enough practicing, you should feel confident in your presentation skills to thoroughly explain your main ideas and you won’t need to rely on the screen anyhow.

TIP: If you’re looking for even more ways to engage your audience with your visuals, check out 120+ presentation ideas that are sure to wow and delight! 

3. Leverage your personality

As cliche as it sounds, you should always be true to who you are, especially if when you’re presenting. 

It’s incredibly easy to tell if someone is faking it for the sake of their audience, so you should never pretend to act in a way that you don’t typically do. Not only will you feel unnatural and uncomfortable doing it, but you can also risk embarrassment when you try to tell a forced joke and no one laughs or your new-found trait of sarcasm doesn’t sit well with your boss. 

It should bring you comfort knowing that most everyone in your meeting knows who you are. Use this to your advantage and start the presentation by playing up your best personality traits. Use your humor if you’re known to crack jokes or throw in your typical mannerisms.

These little additions will make your presentation feel much more relaxed for everyone involved. In addition to your own unique quirks, you should also bring a level of personability to your meeting.

Be empathetic, smile more, and look around the room.  Doing so will improve your presentation skills, make you more likable, and allow your audience to be more receptive to you. 

In many cases, you may be presenting virtually, rather than in person. You can still allow your personality to shine through and energize your virtual presentation. Lisa Schneider, Chief Growth Officer at Merriam-Webster, wrote for Venngage on how to adapt an in-person presentation into a virtual presentation . Check it out.

4. Welcome questions and comments during your presentation

Be flexible throughout your presentation. Answer questions and respond to any comments your audience may have either through hand raising or an audience response tool . Don’t worry if it veers you off your script. Chances are if one person has a question or comment, the others in the room are thinking it too. 

Use this as an opportunity to prove how well you understand the material you’re presenting–your audience will take notice.

Also, take some time out at the start or your presentation to ask your audience some icebreaker questions and slowly transition into the more important stuff. 

Taking this minute to talk through anything that your audience is thinking of is a good thing because it means they are engaged with you and really paying attention to the words coming out of your mouth. Doing so will also relax the format of your presentation, allowing you to feel more confident and relaxed as well.

5. Be passionate and engaging 

When creating your presentation, craft it in such a way that makes your audience curious and makes them have questions for you. A persuasive presentation is the best way to get the positive reactions you are looking for, so be as passionate as you can be about your subject matter to seal the deal. 

Remember that questions and comments during your presentation are a good thing, especially if you’re the one prompting them! 

The more excited you are to present your ideas and show off your expertise, the more excited and engaged your audience will be. Own your subject matter and know what you’re talking about, it’s one of the most important presentation skills to have.

6. Maintain eye contact with your audience

This is a very obvious tip that will go a long way with your audience. 

When the people you’re speaking to feel like you’re taking notice of them, they are much more likely to take notice of you and pay better attention to everything that you’re saying. 

It’s important to remember that losing eye contact and looking everywhere but at the people that you’re presenting to is a common nervous behavior. Pay extra close attention to whether or not you’re guilty of that, and work to ensure you have your eyes on at least one person.

7. Obsess over your listeners 

Be receptive to your listeners. You can’t forget that what you’re presenting is for the audience, and it has nothing to do about you! 

Focus on the value you can provide to the people in the room. The more serving you are to them, the greater chance you have at driving your point home and nailing your presentation. 

It’s also important not to forget about those listening to you remotely over video conferencing . Make sure they know you’re aware of them and engage them as well! 

8. Focus on confident body language 

Smiling, hand gestures, eye contact, and a powerful stance all exude confidence. 

If you don’t have strong body language and are showing physical signs of nervousness (ie. tapping, bouncing, shaking, darting eyes, and more) your audience will have a hard time focusing on the material you’re presenting and hone in on the fact that you’re nervous and probably don’t know what you’re talking about as much as you say you do.

No matter how nervous you are, take a deep breath and pretend otherwise. You might actually start to believe it!

9. Keep it as short as possible

Every single person’s time is valuable ( especially at work), so don’t waste precious meeting time. If you can say everything you need to in half of the time that is allotted, you should do so. 

Ensure that you’re only sharing the most important information. All of the extra fluff will bore your audience and you will lose their attention very quickly.

It’s a great idea to wrap up your presentation with key takeaways and action items. Doing so will ensure that no matter how quickly your meeting ended, your team understands their next steps. You can send out a quick, summarizing slide deck or an easy to read one-pager for their reference later. These visuals will make sure all of your bases are covered and that everyone is on the same page upon leaving the meeting.

A good presentation makes all the difference. Check out the top qualities of awesome presentations and learn all about how to make a good presentation to help you nail that captivating delivery.

Never stop refining your presentation skills 

Possessing great presentation skills doesn’t come naturally to most people–it’s something that’s learned and practiced over time. As with most things in life, you must continuously work on refining your skills to get better and better. 

Use these nine proven presentation tips that we covered in this article to improve your presentation skills and ace different presentation styles . By doing so, you will find that presenting at your key meetings becomes easier and easier and you’ll begin to nail it every single time.

More presentation guides:

How to Make a Persuasive Presentation

120+ Best Presentation Ideas, Design Tips & Examples

33 Presentation Templates and Design Tips to Hold Your Audience’s Attention

Presentation Design Guide: How to Summarize Information for Presentations

Ideas and insights from Harvard Business Publishing Corporate Learning

Powerful and Effective Presentation Skills: More in Demand Now Than Ever

When we talk with our L&D colleagues from around the globe, we often hear that presentation skills training is one of the top opportunities they’re looking to provide their learners. And this holds true whether their learners are individual contributors, people managers, or senior leaders. This is not surprising.

Effective communications skills are a powerful career activator, and most of us are called upon to communicate in some type of formal presentation mode at some point along the way.

For instance, you might be asked to brief management on market research results, walk your team through a new process, lay out the new budget, or explain a new product to a client or prospect. Or you may want to build support for a new idea, bring a new employee into the fold, or even just present your achievements to your manager during your performance review.

And now, with so many employees working from home or in hybrid mode, and business travel in decline, there’s a growing need to find new ways to make effective presentations when the audience may be fully virtual or a combination of in person and remote attendees.

Whether you’re making a standup presentation to a large live audience, or a sit-down one-on-one, whether you’re delivering your presentation face to face or virtually, solid presentation skills matter.

Even the most seasoned and accomplished presenters may need to fine-tune or update their skills. Expectations have changed over the last decade or so. Yesterday’s PowerPoint which primarily relied on bulleted points, broken up by the occasional clip-art image, won’t cut it with today’s audience.

The digital revolution has revolutionized the way people want to receive information. People expect presentations that are more visually interesting. They expect to see data, metrics that support assertions. And now, with so many previously in-person meetings occurring virtually, there’s an entirely new level of technical preparedness required.

The leadership development tools and the individual learning opportunities you’re providing should include presentation skills training that covers both the evergreen fundamentals and the up-to-date capabilities that can make or break a presentation.

So, just what should be included in solid presentation skills training? Here’s what I think.

The fundamentals will always apply When it comes to making a powerful and effective presentation, the fundamentals will always apply. You need to understand your objective. Is it strictly to convey information, so that your audience’s knowledge is increased? Is it to persuade your audience to take some action? Is it to convince people to support your idea? Once you understand what your objective is, you need to define your central message. There may be a lot of things you want to share with your audience during your presentation, but find – and stick with – the core, the most important point you want them to walk away with. And make sure that your message is clear and compelling.

You also need to tailor your presentation to your audience. Who are they and what might they be expecting? Say you’re giving a product pitch to a client. A technical team may be interested in a lot of nitty-gritty product detail. The business side will no doubt be more interested in what returns they can expect on their investment.

Another consideration is the setting: is this a formal presentation to a large audience with questions reserved for the end, or a presentation in a smaller setting where there’s the possibility for conversation throughout? Is your presentation virtual or in-person? To be delivered individually or as a group? What time of the day will you be speaking? Will there be others speaking before you and might that impact how your message will be received?

Once these fundamentals are established, you’re in building mode. What are the specific points you want to share that will help you best meet your objective and get across your core message? Now figure out how to convey those points in the clearest, most straightforward, and succinct way. This doesn’t mean that your presentation has to be a series of clipped bullet points. No one wants to sit through a presentation in which the presenter reads through what’s on the slide. You can get your points across using stories, fact, diagrams, videos, props, and other types of media.

Visual design matters While you don’t want to clutter up your presentation with too many visual elements that don’t serve your objective and can be distracting, using a variety of visual formats to convey your core message will make your presentation more memorable than slides filled with text. A couple of tips: avoid images that are cliched and overdone. Be careful not to mix up too many different types of images. If you’re using photos, stick with photos. If you’re using drawn images, keep the style consistent. When data are presented, stay consistent with colors and fonts from one type of chart to the next. Keep things clear and simple, using data to support key points without overwhelming your audience with too much information. And don’t assume that your audience is composed of statisticians (unless, of course, it is).

When presenting qualitative data, brief videos provide a way to engage your audience and create emotional connection and impact. Word clouds are another way to get qualitative data across.

Practice makes perfect You’ve pulled together a perfect presentation. But it likely won’t be perfect unless it’s well delivered. So don’t forget to practice your presentation ahead of time. Pro tip: record yourself as you practice out loud. This will force you to think through what you’re going to say for each element of your presentation. And watching your recording will help you identify your mistakes—such as fidgeting, using too many fillers (such as “umm,” or “like”), or speaking too fast.

A key element of your preparation should involve anticipating any technical difficulties. If you’ve embedded videos, make sure they work. If you’re presenting virtually, make sure that the lighting is good, and that your speaker and camera are working. Whether presenting in person or virtually, get there early enough to work out any technical glitches before your presentation is scheduled to begin. Few things are a bigger audience turn-off than sitting there watching the presenter struggle with the delivery mechanisms!

Finally, be kind to yourself. Despite thorough preparation and practice, sometimes, things go wrong, and you need to recover in the moment, adapt, and carry on. It’s unlikely that you’ll have caused any lasting damage and the important thing is to learn from your experience, so your next presentation is stronger.

How are you providing presentation skills training for your learners?

Manika Gandhi is Senior Learning Design Manager at Harvard Business Publishing Corporate Learning. Email her at [email protected] .

Let’s talk

Change isn’t easy, but we can help. Together we’ll create informed and inspired leaders ready to shape the future of your business.

© 2024 Harvard Business School Publishing. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing is an affiliate of Harvard Business School.

• Privacy Policy
• Copyright Information
• Terms of Use
• About Harvard Business Publishing
• Higher Education
• Harvard Business Review
• Harvard Business School

We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies and revised Privacy Policy .

Cookie and Privacy Settings

We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.

Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.

These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.

Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.

We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.

We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.

We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.

Google Webfont Settings:

Google Map Settings:

Google reCaptcha Settings:

Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:

You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.

• Presentation Skills
• Skills & Tools

Presentation skills can be defined as a set of abilities that enable an individual to: interact with the audience; transmit the messages with clarity; engage the audience in the presentation; and interpret and understand the mindsets of the listeners. These skills refine the way you put forward your messages and enhance your persuasive powers.

The present era places great emphasis on good presentation skills. This is because they play an important role in convincing the clients and customers. Internally, management with good presentation skills is better able to communicate the mission and vision of the organization to the employees.

Importance of Presentation Skills

Interaction with others is a routine job of businesses in today’s world. The importance of good presentation skills is established on the basis of following points:

• They help an individual in enhancing his own growth opportunities. In addition, it also grooms the personality of the presenter and elevates his levels of confidence.
• In case of striking deals and gaining clients, it is essential for the business professionals to understand the audience. Good presentation skills enable an individual to mold his message according to the traits of the audience. This increases the probability of successful transmission of messages.
• Lastly, business professionals have to arrange seminars and give presentations almost every day. Having good presentation skills not only increases an individual’s chances of success, but also enable him to add greatly to the organization.

How to Improve Presentation Skills

Development of good presentation skills requires efforts and hard work. To improve your presentation skills, you must:

• Research the Audience before Presenting: This will enable you to better understand the traits of the audience. You can then develop messages that can be better understood by your target audience. For instance, in case of an analytical audience, you can add more facts and figures in your presentation.
• Structure your Presentation Effectively: The best way to do this is to start with telling the audience, in the introduction, what you are going to present. Follow this by presenting the idea, and finish off the presentation by repeating the main points.
• Do a lot of Practice: Rehearse but do not go for memorizing the presentation. Rehearsals reduce your anxiety and enable you to look confident on the presentation day. Make sure you practice out loud, as it enables you to identify and eliminate errors more efficiently. Do not memorize anything as it will make your presentation look mechanical. This can reduce the degree of audience engagement.
• Take a Workshop: Most medium and large businesses allow their employees to take employee development courses and workshops, as well-trained employees are essential to the success of any company. You can use that opportunity to take a workshop on professional presentation skills such as those offered by Langevin Learning Services , which are useful for all business professionals, from employees to business trainers and managers.

Job profiles that require this skill

Not yet a member? Sign Up

join cleverism

Find your dream job. Get on promotion fasstrack and increase tour lifetime salary.

Post your jobs & get access to millions of ambitious, well-educated talents that are going the extra mile.

First name*

Company name*

Company Website*

E-mail (work)*

Login or Register

Password reset instructions will be sent to your E-mail.

10 Presentation Skills That Every Great Presenter Must Have

It’s no secret that effective presentations can help you get ahead in business. After all, what better way to show off your knowledge and expertise than by delivering a well-crafted presentation? The right presentation skills give you the ability to share your ideas with an audience convincingly and engagingly.

Unfortunately, not everyone is born a natural presenter. If you’re not used to standing up in front of an audience, the prospect of doing so can be daunting. Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do to improve your presentation skills.

In this article, we’ll share some tips on how to do just that, allowing you to deliver an effective presentation.

Let’s get right into it.

What are Presentation Skills?

Presentation skills are the abilities you need to deliver a clear and effective presentation. After all, a good presenter is someone who can communicate their ideas in a way that engages and motivates their audience.

There are many different aspects to presentation skills, from knowing how to structure your talk to using visuals effectively, to dealing with nerves.

Developing strong presentation skills will help you to communicate your ideas more effectively and make a positive impression on your audience.

Presentation skills are important because they can help you to communicate your ideas clearly and effectively. A good presentation can make a big impact on your audience and can help to persuade them of your point of view.

Presentation skills are also important in other areas of life, such as job interviews, sales pitches, and networking events. Being able to present your ideas clearly and concisely can give you a big advantage over others who are not as confident in their presentation skills.

Why Is it Important To Recognize Presentation Skills & Their Benefits?

One of the most important reasons to recognize presentation skills is because they are a valuable skill for any profession. Good presentation skills can help you in your career by making it easier to sell your ideas, get promoted, and be successful in business.

In addition, good presentation skills can also help you in your personal life by making it easier to give speeches, make presentations, and teach classes.

In addition, recognizing presentation skills can also help you improve your presentations. If you are not aware of the importance of presentation skills, you may not be using them to their full potential.

By taking the time to learn about presentation skills and how to use them effectively, you can make your presentations more effective and persuasive.

Here’s a list of benefits that come with good presentation skills:

• Increased confidence
• The ability to think on your feet
• Improved public speaking skills
• Enhanced written communication skills
• The ability to lead and motivate others
• Enhanced problem-solving abilities
• Improved negotiation skills
• Stronger time management skills
• Greater creativity
• The opportunity to make a positive impact on others

10 Examples of Presentation Skills

Let’s now explore some practical examples of presentation skills that will help you ace your next big presentation.

A Clear And Confident Voice

One of the most important aspects of a great presentation is having a clear and confident voice. If you’re mumbling or speaking too quietly, your audience is going to have a hard time understanding you.

On the other hand, if you’re shouting or speaking too fast, they’re going to get overwhelmed and tune out. So, it’s important to find that happy medium where your voice is audible and easy to understand.

The Ability To Engage With Your Audience

Another key presentation skill is the ability to engage with your audience. This means making eye contact, using gestures, and speaking in a way that is relatable and easy to understand.

If you’re just standing there reading off a slide, chances are your audience is going to get bored pretty quickly. But if you can find ways to keep them engaged, they’ll be more likely to listen to what you have to say.

Good Eye Contact

One of the best ways to engage with your audience is through eye contact. When you make eye contact with someone, it shows that you’re interested in what they have to say and that you’re engaged in the conversation. It also helps to build trust and rapport.

So, if you can find ways to make eye contact with your audience members, it will go a long way in keeping them engaged.

Natural Gestures

Another great way to engage with your audience is through natural gestures. Using your hands and arms to gesture can help emphasize points and keep your audience engaged. Just be sure not to go overboard – too much gesturing can be distracting.

Positive Body Language

Your body language is also important when it comes to presentations. If you’re slouching or looking down at your feet, it’s going to show that you’re not confident in what you’re saying.

On the other hand, if you’re standing up straight and making strong eye contact, it’s going to give off a positive impression. So, be aware of your body language and try to project confidence through it.

The Use Of Visual Aids

Visual aids can be a great way to engage your audience and make your points more clear. Using slides, charts, and graphs can help illustrate your ideas and make them easier to understand. Similar to using gestures, just be sure not to overdo it – too many visuals can be overwhelming and confusing.

The Ability To Handle Questions

At some point during your presentation, you’re likely going to get questions from your audience; how you handle those questions can make or break your presentation. If you’re able to answer them confidently and without getting flustered, it’ll show that you know your stuff.

But if you start to get tongue-tied or defensive, it’s going to reflect poorly on you. So, be prepared for questions and try to stay calm when answering them.

An Organized Structure

Another important presentation skill is having a well-organized structure. This means having an introduction, main body, and conclusion to your presentation.

It also means using transitions between sections to help your audience follow along. If your presentation is all over the place, it’s going to be hard for your audience to stay engaged and they’ll quickly tune out.

The Use Of Storytelling

Storytelling is a great way to engage your audience and make your points more memorable. And while it might not seem like a traditional presentation skill, it can be extremely effective. So, if you can find ways to weave stories into your presentation, it’ll go a long way in captivating your audience.

Last but not least, confidence is one of the most important presentation skills you can have. If you’re not confident in what you’re saying, it’s going to show – and your audience is going to pick up on it.

So, even if you’re not feeling 100% sure of yourself, try to project confidence. It’ll make a big difference in how your audience perceives you and your message.

How To Identify & Master Presentation Skills

The good news is that presentation skills are not rocket science. Anyone can develop and master them with the right guidance.

Here’s a 5-step process to help you identify and master presentation skills.

Determine The Purpose Of Your Presentation

Are you trying to inform, persuade, or entertain your audience? Knowing the purpose of your presentation will help you focus on the right content and delivery.

Know Your Audience

Who will be watching or listening to your presentation? What are their needs, wants, and concerns? The better you understand your audience, the more effectively you can address their needs.

Structure Your Content

Organize your thoughts into an introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should grab your audience’s attention and set the stage for the rest of your presentation. The body should contain the meat of your argument, and the conclusion should drive home your main points.

Choose Your Delivery Method

Will you be using slides, props, or other visual aids? Will you be speaking extemporaneously or reading from a script? Choose a delivery method that best suits your content and audience.

Practice, Practice, Practice

The only way to become a master presenter is to practice, practice, practice! Experiment with different techniques and find what works best for you. Then keep practicing until it becomes second nature.

Also, consider that the right strengths test can help you understand your presentation skills better – both the strong ones and the ones to get better at. To this extent, the High5test.com strengths test is a great resource.

How To Improve Presentation Skills in The Workplace

The workplace is one of the most important places to hone your presentation skills. After all, in the business world, first impressions are key, and being able to deliver a polished and professional presentation can make all the difference in whether or not you’re successful.

Here are a few tips to help you improve your presentation skills in the workplace:

Preparation Is Key

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s worth repeating. When you’re preparing for a presentation, take the time to do your research and gather all of the necessary information. This will help ensure that your presentation is well-organized and flows smoothly.

Be Aware Of Your Body Language

Your body language speaks volumes, so it’s important to be aware of what you’re communicating with your nonverbal cues. Make sure you’re standing up straight, making eye contact, and using gestures appropriately. These small tweaks can make a big difference in how your audience perceives you.

One of the best ways to improve your presentation skills is simply to practice as much as you can. The more you present, the more comfortable you’ll become and the better you’ll be at thinking on your feet and handling questions from the audience.

Seek Feedback

After each presentation, take some time to reflect on what went well and what could be improved. If possible, seek feedback from your colleagues or boss. This will help you learn from your mistakes and continue to improve.

By following these tips, you can start to improve your presentation skills and make a positive impression in the workplace.

How To Highlight Presentation Skills In Resume & Job Interview

Another important skill that is often overlooked is the ability to highlight presentation skills in both a resume and a job interview. This can be the difference between getting the job and not.

When you are applying for a job, your resume is often the first thing that potential employers will look at. It is important to make sure that your resume includes any relevant presentation skills that you may have.

You can do this by including any experience you have in public speaking, leading presentations, or teaching courses. If you do not have any experience in these areas, consider listing any other relevant skills that could transfer over into presenting, such as customer service or sales experience.

In addition to your resume, it is also important to be able to highlight your presentation skills during a job interview. This is often done through behavioral interviewing, where you will be asked to describe specific examples of times when you have presented in the past. It is important to be prepared for this type of question and to have a few examples ready to go.

When you are highlighting your presentation skills, it is important to focus on any successes that you have had. This could be anything from getting positive feedback from an audience to successfully teaching a new course.

No matter what the specific example is, it is important to focus on how you were able to positively impact the situation. This will show potential employers that you can effectively present information and that you are someone they would want on their team.

Bonus Tip: How to Improve Presentation Skills in School As a Student

School students often have to present in front of their classmates and teachers. This can be a daunting experience, especially if you don’t feel confident in your abilities. However, there are some things you can do to improve your presentation skills while you’re still in school.

Join A Club Or Organization That Requires Presentations

This will force you to get up in front of people regularly and hone your skills. If no club or organization at your school requires presentations, start one!

Give speeches in front of the mirror.

Practicing in front of a mirror can help you identify any nervous habits you have (like fidgeting or pacing) and correct them before you have to give a real speech.

Use Note Cards Instead Of A Script

Reading from a script can make you sound robotic and unauthentic. Note cards will help you stay on track without sounding like you’re reciting memorized lines.

Record Yourself Giving A Presentation

Then, watch the recording back to see how you can improve. This exercise can be painful, but it’s one of the best ways to identify your weaknesses and work on them.

Find A Mentor

Ask a teacher or another adult you trust to give you feedback on your presentations. They can offer helpful tips and criticism that will help you improve.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a great presenter in no time!

Presentation Skills FAQs

What are the 7 presentation skills.

The 7 presentation skills are:

• Eye contact

What are the 4 types of presentation skills?

The 4 types of presentation skills are:

• Verbal communication
• Visual aids
• Non-verbal communication
• Listening skills

What is the rule of presentation?

The rule of presentation is to always keep the audience in mind. This means knowing who your audience is, what they want to hear, and how to best deliver your message so that they will listen and be able to understand it.

Related Posts

15 Counselling Skills That Every Great Counselor Must Have

Conflict Management Skills for Leaders & Managers: List & Examples

10 Essential Team Management Skills for Leaders & Managers

Key Social Worker Skills: List of Qualities That Are Must-Have

10 Employability Skills That Employers Value The Most

10 Customer Service Skills That Every Professional Must Have

Free Strengths Test

Methodology

Affiliate Program

Feature Request

For individuals

For organizations

For coaches

For educators

Full Strengths Report

Strengths Planner

Strengths Discovery Guide

Strengths Reference Sheets

Strength Cards

Career Guides

Professional Skills

Job Interview Guides

Strengths in the Workplace

CliftonStrengths

VIA Character Strengths

Comparisons

Copyright @ 2024 HIGH5TEST. All rights reserved. Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Shipping Policy | Contact Info

• Search Search Please fill out this field.
• Career Planning
• Skills Development

Important Presentation Skills for Workplace Success

• What Are Presentation Skills?

Steps To Create a Presentation

Skills that help make an effective presentation, how to make your skills stand out.

xavierarnau / Getty Images

Whether you’re a high-level executive or an administrative assistant, developing your presentation skills is one key way to climb in an office-based job. Leaders make decisions based on information shared in presentation format, and hardly any business changes its mind without first seeing a persuasive presentation.

It is important for any office employee to know what steps go into creating an effective presentation and what presentation skills are most important to employers. Highlighting these skills will also help you stand out during your job search.

Key Takeaways

• Presentation skills are what you need to know to be able to give an engaging, effective presentation.
• The steps to creating a successful presentation are preparation, delivery, and follow-up.
• Employers want to know you have the necessary skills to research, analyze, and create a presentation, plus the communication skills needed to deliver it and field questions afterward.
• You can highlight your skills to employers through your resume, cover letter, and interview.

What Are Presentation Skills? 

Presentation skills refer to all the qualities you need to create and deliver a clear and effective presentation. While what you say during a presentation matters, employers also value the ability to create supporting materials, such as slides.

Your prospective employer may want you to deliver briefings and reports to colleagues, conduct training sessions, present information to clients, or perform any number of other tasks that involve speaking before an audience.

Giving engaging and easy-to-understand talks is a major component of the strong  oral communication skills  that are a  job requirement  for many positions. Not all presentations take place in a formal meeting. Many presentation skills are relevant to one-on-one consults or sales calls.

Any presentation has three phases: preparation, delivery, and follow-up. All presentation skills fit into one of these three phases.

Preparation 

Preparation involves research and building the presentation. Consider the audience you'll be presenting to and what most interests them. This may mean crafting the entire text (or at least writing notes) and creating any slides and other supporting audio/visual materials.

You will also have to make sure that the appropriate venue is available, properly set up beforehand, and ensure the projector (if you'll need one) works and connects with your laptop.

You'll also want to practice your presentation as many times as you need to to feel comfortable delivering it with ease and confidence within the time allotted for the presentation.

Skills related to preparation include conducting research related to your presentation topic, devising charts and graphs depicting your research findings, and learning about your audience to better tailor your presentation to their needs. You'll also need to create digital slides, using statistics, examples, and stories to illustrate your points and effectively to persuade the audience.

Preparing handouts or digital references is an added courtesy that will help the audience pay attention because they won't be preoccupied with note-taking.

Your delivery is the part of the presentation that the audience sees. A good delivery depends on careful preparation and confident presentation and requires its own distinctive  skill set . 

Skills related to delivery include giving an attention-grabbing opening for a talk, providing a summary of what will be covered to introduce the presentation and provide context, and using  body language  and eye contact to convey energy and confidence.

Make sure you pause to emphasize key points, modulate your vocal tone for emphasis, and articulate your speech clearly and smoothly.

Don't be afraid of injecting humor or speaking with enthusiasm and animation—these techniques can help you in projecting confidence to your audience.

Summarize key points at the conclusion of the presentation, and be sure to have a plan for how you'll field any audience questions.

Presentation follow-up includes properly breaking down and storing any equipment, contacting any audience members with whom you agreed to communicate further, and soliciting, collecting, and analyzing feedback.

In some presentations, you may collect information from audience members—such as names and contact information or completed surveys—that you also must organize and store.

Skills related to follow-up include creating an evaluation form to solicit feedback from attendees, interpreting feedback from evaluations, and modifying the content and/or delivery for future presentations. Other follow-up skills include organizing a database of attendees for future presentations, interviewing key attendees to gain additional feedback, and emailing presentation slides to attendees.

To create and deliver the most effective presentation takes a variety of skills, which you can always work to improve.

You must be able to look honestly at your performance, assess the feedback you get, and figure out what you need to do to get better. That takes  analytical thinking .

More importantly, you need to have a firm grasp of the information you are about to communicate to others. You need to analyze your audience and be prepared to think quickly if asked questions that force you to demonstrate that you are fully aware of the material and its implications.

The kind of analytical skills you need to be an effective presenter include problem sensitivity, problem-solving , reporting and surveying, optimization, and predictive modeling. It also helps to be adept at strategic planning, integration, process management, and diagnostics. With these skills, you'll be better able to objectively analyze, evaluate, and act on your findings.

Organization

You do not want to be the person who spends half of their presentation time trying to find a cable to connect their laptop to the projector. Many things can and do go wrong just before a presentation unless you are  organized .

Presentation preparation also means keeping track of notes, information, and start/stop times. You will want to proofread and fine-tune all the materials you plan to use for the presentation to catch any mistakes. Make sure you time yourself when you rehearse so you know how long it will take to deliver the presentation.

A presentation that's finished in half the time allotted is as problematic as one that's too long-winded.

Some key organizational skills to work on include event planning, auditing, benchmarking, prioritization, and recordkeeping. Make sure your scheduling is on point and pay close attention to detail. Quick thinking is an important skill to have for when things inevitably go wrong.

Nonverbal Communication

When speaking to an audience, the way you present yourself can be just as important as how you present your information. You want to appear confident and engaging. You can do this through good posture, the use of hand gestures, and making eye contact with the audience.

Practice your  nonverbal communication  by filming yourself doing a practice presentation and observing your body language carefully. Your physical bearing and poise should convey a degree of comfort and confidence in front of an audience, while active listening , respect, and emotional intelligence will help you in facilitating group discussions.

Presentation Software

Microsoft PowerPoint is the dominant software used to create visual aids for presentations. Learn to use it well, including the special features outside of basic templates that can really bring a presentation to life. Even if someone else is preparing your slideshow for you, it will help to know how to use the software in case of last-minute changes.

Other software that is good to learn includes Microsoft Office, Apple Keynote, Google Slides, and Adobe Presenter.

Public Speaking

You need to appear comfortable and engaging when speaking before a live audience, even if you're not. This can take years of practice, and sometimes  public speaking  just isn't for certain people. An uncomfortable presenter is a challenge for everyone. Fortunately, public speaking skills can improve with practice . Some skills to work on include articulation, engagement, and memorization. You should be able to assess the needs of the audience and handle difficult questions. Controlling your performance anxiety will help you communicate more effectively.

Research is the first step in preparing most presentations and could range from a multi-year process to spending 20 minutes online, depending on context and subject matter. At the very least, you must be able to clearly frame research questions, identify appropriate information sources, and organize your results. Other useful skills include brainstorming, collaboration , comparative analysis, data interpretation, and deductive and inductive reasoning. Business intelligence is a skill that will help you evaluate what information you need to support the bottom line, while case analysis and causal relationships will help you parse and evaluate meaning.

Verbal Communication

Public speaking is one form of  verbal communication , but you will need other forms to give a good presentation. Specifically, you must know how to answer questions. You should be able to understand questions asked by your audience (even if they're strange or poorly worded) and provide respectful, honest, and accurate answers without getting off-topic. Use active listening, focus, and empathy to understand your audience. Skills such as assertiveness, affirmation, and enunciation will help you restate and clarify your key points as it relates to their questions or concerns.

You may or may not need a written script, but you do need to pre-plan what you are going to say, in what order you will say it, and at what level of detail. If you can write a cohesive essay, you can plan a presentation.

Typical writing skills apply to your presentation just as they do to other forms of writing, including grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and proofreading. The ability to build outlines, take notes, and mark up documents will also be useful.

More Presentation Skills

In addition to the skills previously mentioned, there are other important skills that can apply to your presentation. The other skills you need will depend on what your presentation is about, your audience, and your intended results. Some of these additional skills include:

• Summarizing
• Providing anecdotes to illustrate a point
• Designing handouts
• Recognizing and countering objections
• Posing probing questions to elicit more detail about specific issues
• Awareness of ethnic, political, and religious diversity
• Receiving criticism without defensiveness
• Refraining from speaking too often or interrupting others
• Anticipating the concerns of others
• Product knowledge
• SWOT analysis format
• Supporting statements with evidence
• Multilingual
• Working with reviewers
• Consistency
• Developing and maintaining standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Developing a proposition statement
• Creating and managing expectations

Include skills on your resume. If applicable, you might mention these words in your  resume summary  or  headline .

Highlight skills in your cover letter. Mention one or two specific presentation skills and give examples of instances when you demonstrated these traits in the workplace.

Show your presentation skills in job interviews. During the interview process, you may be asked to give a sample presentation. In this case, you will want to embody these skills during the presentation. For example, you will want to demonstrate your oral communication skills by speaking clearly and concisely throughout the presentation.

PennState. " Steps in Preparing a Presentation ."

Harvard Division of Continuing Education. " 10 Tips for Improving Your Public Speaking Skills ."

Northern Illinois University. " Delivering the Presentation ."

21 Ways To Improve Your Presentation Skills

Published: April 07, 2023

You know the feeling of sitting through a boring presentation. A text distracts you. A noise outside pulls your gaze. Your dog begs for attention. By the time the presentation ends, you question why you needed to sit and listen in the first place.

Effective presentation skills can stop you from boring an audience to oblivion. Delivering strong presentations can help you stand out as a leader, showcase your expertise, and build confidence.

Table of contents:

• Presentation skills definition
• Importance of presentation skills
• How to improve presentation skills
• Effective presentation skills
• Presentation skills for executives

Presentation Skills Definition

Presentation skills include anything you need to create and deliver clear, effective presentations to an audience. This includes creating a compelling set of slides , ensuring the information flows, and keeping your audience engaged.

Speakers with strong presentation skills can perform the following tasks:

• Bring together different sources of information to form a compelling narrative
• Hook audiences with a strong beginning and end
• Ensure audiences engage with their content through questions or surveys
• Understand what their audience wants and needs from their presentation

Importance of Presentation Skills

At some point in your career, you will present something. You might pitch a startup to a group of investors or show your research findings to your manager at work. Those in leading or executive roles often deliver presentations on a weekly or monthly basis.

Improving your presentation skills betters different aspects of your working life, including the following:

Communication: Improving your presentation skills can make you a better communicator with your co-workers and friends.

Confidence: 75% of people fear public speaking. By working on your presentation skills, you can gain confidence when speaking in front of a crowd.

Creativity: You learn to understand how to use imagery and examples to engage an audience.

Management: Presentations involve pulling together information to form a succinct summary, helping you build project and time management skills.

How To Improve Presentation Skills

1. create an outline.

Before designing slides and writing a script, outline your presentation. Start with your introduction, segue into key points you want to make, and finish with a conclusion.

2. Practice, Practice, Practice

Almost 8 in 10 professionals practice their presentations for at least an hour. So, practice your presentation in the mirror or to a close friend.

3. Start With a Hook

When presenting, grab your audience with a hook. Consider starting with a surprising statistic or a thoughtful question before diving into the core information.

4. Stay Focused on Your Topic

You might want to cover everything under the sun, but information overload can overwhelm your audience. Instead, stay focused on what you want to cover. Aim for key points and avoid including unnecessary details.

5. Remember To Introduce Yourself

At the beginning of the presentation, introduce yourself. Kill any tension in the room by mentioning your name, your role, and any other helpful details. You could even mention a fun fact about yourself, putting the audience at ease.

6. Work on Your Body Language

55% of people look to nonverbal communication when judging a presentation. Straighten your back, minimize unnecessary gestures, and keep your voice confident and calm. Remember to work on these aspects when practicing.

7. Memorize Structure, Not Words

You might feel better knowing exactly what you want to say. But skip the script and stick to memorizing the key points of your presentation. For example, consider picking three to four phrases or insights you want to mention for each part of your presentation rather than line-by-line memorization.

8. Learn Your Audience

Before crafting a killer outline and slide deck, research your audience. Find out what they likely already know, such as industry jargon, and where they might need additional information. Remember: You're presenting for them, not you.

9. Reframe Your Anxiety as Excitement

A study conducted by Harvard Business School demonstrates that reframing your anxiety as excitement can improve performance. For example, by saying simple phrases out loud, such as “I’m excited,” you then adopt an opportunity-oriented mentality.

10. Get Comfortable With the Setting

If you plan to present in person, explore the room. Find where you’re going to stand and deliver your presentation. Practice looking into the seats. By decreasing the number of unknowns, you can clear your head and focus on the job.

11. Get Familiar With Technology

Presenting online has unique challenges, such as microphone problems and background noise. Before a Zoom presentation, ensure your microphone works, clean up your background, test your slides, and consider any background noise.

12. Think Positively

Optimistic workers enjoy faster promotions and happier lives. By reminding yourself of the positives — for example, your manager found your last presentation impressive — you can shake off nerves and find joy in the process.

13. Tell a Story

To engage your audience, weave storytelling into your presentation — more than 5 in 10 people believe stories hold their focus during a presentation. Consider ways to connect different parts of your slides into a compelling narrative.

14. Prepare for Questions

At the end of your presentation, your audience will likely have questions. Brainstorm different questions and potential answers so you’re prepared.

15. Maintain Eye Contact

Eye contact signals honesty. When possible, maintain eye contact with your audience. For in-person presentations, pay attention to each audience member. For online ones, stare at your camera lens as you deliver.

16. Condense Your Presentation

After you finish the first draft of your outline, think about ways to condense it. Short and sweet often keeps people interested instead of checking their phones.

17. Use Videos

Keep your audience’s attention by incorporating video clips when relevant. For example, videos can help demonstrate examples or explain difficult concepts.

18. Engage With Your Audience

Almost 8 in 10 professionals view presentations as boring. Turn the tide by engaging with your audience. Encourage audience participation by asking questions or conducting a live survey.

19. Present Slowly and Pause Frequently

When you get nervous, you talk faster. To combat this, remember to slow yourself down when practicing. Place deep pauses throughout your presentation, especially when transitioning between slides, as it gives you time to breathe and your audience time to absorb.

20. Start and End With a Summary

A summary at the start of a presentation can pique your audience’s interest. One at the end brings everything together, highlighting key points your audience should take with them.

21. Ask for Feedback

You will never deliver the perfect presentation, so ask for feedback. Talk to your managers about where you could improve. Consider surveying your audience for an unbiased look into your presentation skills.

Effective Presentation Skills

Effective presentation skills include communicating clearly, presenting with structure, and engaging with the audience.

As an example, say a content manager is presenting a quarterly review to their team. They start off with a summary. Their introduction mentions an unprecedented 233% growth in organic traffic — numbers their team has not seen in years. Immediately, the presenter grabs their team’s attention. Now, everyone wants to know how they achieved that in one quarter.

Alternatively, think of an entrepreneur delivering their pitch to a group of investors. They start with a question: How many of you struggle to stay awake at work? They then segue into an exciting product designed to improve the sleep quality of working professionals. Their presentation includes videos demonstrating the science behind sleep and surprising statistics about the demand for their product.

Both examples demonstrate effective presentation skills. They incorporate strong attention grabbers, summaries, and attempts to engage the audience.

Think back to strong presentations you viewed as an audience member. Ask yourself: What made them so memorable, and how can I incorporate those elements into my presentations?

Presentation Skills for Executives

Presentations take up a significant portion of an executive’s workload. Executives regularly showcase key company initiatives, team changes, quarterly and annual reviews, and more. Improving your presentation skills as a leader can help with different parts of your job, such as:

Trust: Delivering great, effective presentations can build trust between you and your team.

Confidence: Most people dread presentations — so a strong presenter projects the confidence needed by a leader.

Emotional intelligence: A great presentation taps into the audience’s perspectives, helping executives improve their emotional intelligence .

Expertise: Presentations help executives display their subject-matter expertise, making employees safe in their hands.

Delegation: At times, executives might need to pull information from different sources for a presentation — improving their ability to delegate as managers.

What did you think of this article?

Give Feedback

Don't forget to share this post!

Outline your company's sales strategy in one simple, coherent plan.

Powerful and easy-to-use sales software that drives productivity, enables customer connection, and supports growing sales orgs

• Academic Calendar
• International

• Entrepreneurship
• Financial Management
• Logistics Management
• Human Resources
• Technology Management
• Business Psychology

English-taught

• Business Studies NXT GEN
• Business Psychology (B.Sc.) New
• Finance & Management (B.Sc.) New
• International Business (B.Sc.) New
• Bachelor Double Degree

German-taught

• Betriebswirtschaft und Management (B.A.)
• Wirtschaftspsychologie (B.A.)

Prep4University Preparatory Course

• Pre-CBS Online Program

Bachelor Exchange Programmes

• International Innovation Management
• European Business Management
• Exchange in regular CBS programme

• Business Psychology Management (M.Sc.)
• Digital Marketing (M.A.)
• Digital Transformation Management (M.A.)
• Financial Management (M.A.)
• Global Finance (M.Sc.)
• Global Supply Chain Management (M.Sc.)
• HRM & Leadership (M.A.)
• International Business - IB (M.A.)
• IB - Marketing Management (M.A.)
• Strategic Management & Consulting (M.Sc.)
• Tourism & Sustainable Management (M.A.)
• Controlling & Finanzmanagement (M.A.)
• Digitale Transformation (M.A.)
• General Management (M.A.)
• Management von Familienunternehmen (M.A.)
• Marketing Management (M.A.)
• Nachhaltiges Management (M.A.)
• Personal- & Changemanagement (M.A.)
• Sales Management & Vertriebspsychologie (M.A.)
• Strategisches Management & Consulting (M.A.)
• Sportmanagement & Angewandte Sportpsychologie (M.A.)
• Wirtschaftspsychologie (M.A.)
• Nachhaltiges Management (M.A)
• Human Resources & Leadership (M.A.)
• Logistik- und Supply Chain Management (M.Sc.)
• General Management (siA NRW)

Campus Cologne

Campus Mainz

Campus Berlin/Potsdam

• Campus Aachen
• Campus Brühl (Cologne)
• Campus Düsseldorf/Neuss
• Campus Solingen
• Campus Cologne – Rodenkirchen Coming soon
• Living in Cologne
• Working in Cologne
• Accommodation in Cologne
• What is Cologne famous for
• Kölner Studierendenwerk
• Living in Mainz
• Working in Mainz
• Accommodation in Mainz
• Living in Potsdam
• Working in Potsdam
• Accommodation in Potsdam

Incoming Students

• International Students
• Study Abroad & Exchange Students
• Study Abroad Certificates New
• Working as a Student
• 3 + 1 Double Degree Programme
• Summer Programmes

Outgoing Students

• Partner Universities
• Semester Abroad
• Internship Abroad
• Study Abroad Experiences
• International Office

Student Life

• Student Initiatives
• College Sports
• Careers & Networking Alumni-Network Internship Business Projects Career Service Corporate Partners Entrepreneurship on our campuses
• Rankings & Accreditations
• Student Services
• Sustainability & Climate Neutrality
• Diversity & Inclusion

CBS Research

• Research Clusters
• Conferences & Symposia
• Publications
• Funded Projects
• Digital Marketing Certificate
• Double Degree Master
• Campus & Student Life Overview

Presentation Skills: 15 tips for effective presentations

A successful presentation requires good presentation skills and effective presentation techniques. Here we provide you with 15 presentation tips for effective presentations. Whether you are an experienced presenter, or just starting out, there should be ideas here to help you improve your presentation skills.

Presenting successfully: 15 tips to improve your presentation skills and give a killer presentation 

How do you give a good presentation this is how to succeed.

In order to be able to present successfully, not only the layout and the content of the presentation must be convincing. The decisive step is to convey the content of the presentation to the audience in the best possible way by presenting it correctly. The tips listed below should help you do this by improving your presentation skills. The most important thing to keep in mind is a healthy combination of the tips listed below. (The order of the tips does not give any information about their importance).

Not every tip will lead to a successful presentation. What is important in a presentation?

As mentioned earlier, you should try to implement a combination of the tips to give a successful presentation. It should be noted that not every one of these tips needs to fit in your own presentation. In addition, too many of these tips can make the presentation look overloaded and too "rehearsed". Therefore, think carefully in advance about what you want to pay particular attention to.

Here are 15 tips for killer presentations:

Tip 1: maintain eye contact while presenting and smile.

In order to give each of your listeners the feeling of being important and to make them feel personally addressed, it is particularly important to maintain eye contact with the audience during the presentation. Not only does this exude confidence, but it also helps your audience to connect with you and your subject. It also helps you feel less nervous.  Easier said than done right? Here's what can help:

Find someone in the audience who seems to be genuinely interested in the topic and is listening attentively (for example, your lecturer). Make eye contact with this person at the beginning of the presentation. Once you start feeling more calm and confident let your gaze drift over the audience to address the other listeners as well. Keep returning your gaze to the initial person to stay calm throughout the whole presentation.

Another alternative is to find a fixed point in the room (preferably on the wall behind the audience) which you fix at the beginning of the presentation. Similar to the first example, after you have achieved confidence, you can let your gaze wander over the audience and return to the previously selected fixed point again and again.

Don't look at the screen! Don't look at the floor! Don't just look at your index cards! Don't just look at the laptop!

Tip 2: Use of gestures and facial expressions

To emphasize the content of your presentation, it is advisable to use appropriate gestures and body language to get your message across. Avoid crossed arms, hands behind your back, or in your pockets during a presentation.  Always stand up straight, and try not to appear tense or stressed. You can do that by using your hands and arms to emphasize what you are saying and get your message across.  Your facial expressions should always be friendly and open. Smile and show that you enjoy the topic and you are confident in the information you are presenting.

Tip 3: Avoid distractions

Often you will not be able to avoid the use of aids. For example, you may need to use a laser pointer to show something on the screen, or you may need to use a pen to write something down on a flipchart. To avoid distractions for you and the audience, get into the habit of putting down tools you don't need! That way you will not be tempted to deal with them in the first place. You will also have your hands free for gestures.

Tip 4: Be prepared: Practice makes perfect

Practice makes perfect, right? If you prepare well before the presentation, you will feel more relaxed and confident while presenting and it will also improve your body language. 

Here are some ways to help you prepare for a presentation:

Rehearse in front of a crowd

Time yourself

Record yourself

Tip 5: Be confident

By appearing self-confident, you convey to the listener that you are confident in your topic and have prepared yourself sufficiently. Try to relax and not appear too stressed or nervous. Another tip for advanced speakers: Step out in front of the podium and walk around the room and get closer to the audience. This also exudes self-confidence and helps in attracting your audience's attention.

Check out our undergraduate programmes Check out our graduate programmes

Tip 6: Effective beginning/end

Good presentation skills can help you in captivating your audience straight away. In order to do that, you should start your presentation with a bang. Many studies show that if you can capture someone’s interest straight away, there’s a good chance they’ll listen to the rest of the presentation. Shock the audience, ask them to imagine something or think of a what-if situation, share a personal story, share a joke, u se a quote, or a video. You should also give an overview of the time and structure of your presentation. This outline should run through your presentation so that you can always assign the individual contents to an outline point. It is also helpful for your audience to have the outline displayed in a slimmed-down form during the whole presentation.

How you end the presentation is as important as how you start it. A weak ending will leave the audience uninspired. But a good ending will motivate them and help them walk away on a positive note. For example, include a call to action, end the presentation with a memorable quote, or a personal story, and don't forget to thank and acknowledge the audience. 

Tip 7: Speak freely

The headline speaks for itself. To make the presentation as lively and enjoyable as possible, you should avoid reading it off. Speak freely, slowly, and clearly. If you are not yet confident in what you are presenting, try using note cards. But keep in mind: No continuous text, but only short, concise bullet points! If you use note cards to support you, it is especially advisable at this point to memorize at least the beginning and end of your presentation, as eye contact is crucial at these points.

Tip 8: Avoid filler words

In order to make your presentation flow as smoothly and confidently as possible, you should avoid using filler words such as "um," "so," and so on. For your listeners, these words convey insecurity and inadequate preparation.

Tip 9: Bring along something to share

In addition to a handout, other small takeaways can also significantly improve your presentation. For example, if you are giving a presentation on gummy bears, why not offer some to your audience? If you are giving a presentation about your fishing hobby, why not show the audience your fishing equipment?

Tip 10: Use different types of media

A presentation can quickly become boring and monotonous. To avoid this, it is advisable to use different types of media. For example, combine videos and flipcharts, use the whiteboard, or show something practical on a model. This will increase the attention of your audience enormously and will help in keeping them engaged until the end.

Tip 11: Use effective pauses

When giving a presentation, you should keep in mind that you have already heard the content several times - your audience probably hasn't! Therefore, give your audience enough time to read and understand the content of your slides.

Effective use of speech pauses is a master technique. It is one of the most versatile tools in a presenter's toolbox. Yet very few people perform it well. A pause, if used correctly, can add a great deal to your presentation or speech. Pause before, during, or after saying something that you would like to emphasize. Pausing between two different parts of your presentation can indicate to the audience that something new is coming. A quick pause could also help you in remembering your next point, without the audience noticing that you forgot what to say.

Tip 12: Speak the language of the audience

When creating your presentation, you should already think about your target audience. This will help you present successfully later on. It is especially important that you speak the language of the audience. Use appropriate and relevant examples. Use "strong" and meaningful words in short sentences to avoid losing the audience. Make sure to use appropriate analogies and anecdotes and avoid foreign words, empty phrases, and clichés. If you have to use foreign words, explain them in a handout or footnote within the presentation.

Tip 13: Engage with the audience

Always try to keep the attention of your audience and keep them engaged during a presentation. To do this, it is advisable to regularly involve the audience. One way to do this is to ask questions. Deliberately ask "easy" questions so that can easily be answered by your audience. Another way to involve the audience in your presentation is by interacting with them. To make a point clearer, you can use an example to explain it in more detail, using a person (whose name you should know). You can address participants directly and refer to their work.

Tip 14: Don't fight the stage fright & take deep breaths

Stage fright is one of the biggest enemies of a presentation, yet you shouldn't let yourself be a victim of your feat. Do not fight it, rather address your fear and try and accept it, and transform it into positive enthusiasm. Don't let your stage fright get you all worked up and nervous. Take a couple of deep breaths to get oxygen to your brain and relax your body.

Tip 15: Choose the right angle on standing during a presentation

One of the most frequent questions that speakers ask themselves during a presentation is, how do I best position myself, and where do I stand in front of the audience?

You have a free stage without a podium

In many cases, you will be facing your audience in a "free space", without a podium. This gives you a lot of room to move, but at the same time, it creates uncertainty because you don't know how to position yourself properly or how to move. Avoid standing frontally in front of the audience! This frontal facing is unconsciously perceived negatively by the audience. It is perceived by the audience as a kind of frontal attack and causes stress in your audience. Make sure to stand slightly to the side of the audience. If you notice during the presentation that you are again standing frontally in front of your audience, simply move your right or left foot 20 cm forward.

You have a podium at your disposal

A podium makes it easier to decide how to position yourself and where to stand in front of the audience. In order not to make your presentation too monotonous, it is advisable to leave the "safe position" behind the lectern from time to time, e.g. to walk to the other side of the screen or to show something on the flipchart. This brings movement into your presentation and helps keep the connection with your audience. 

Björn Rolleter

Download a brochure & learn more about us.

We hope that you enjoy getting to know more about our school, study programmes and what we stand for. Follow us on Instagram & Facebook , get to know us at one of our Information Events , or Contact our student advisors to get more info.

Latest Blog Posts

Generative Artificial Intelligence in Digital Marketing

CBS International Business School - Best Digital Education Provider 2023

The salary of a financial manager - these are the earning opportunities

Technology management jobs: What career opportunities are there?

Write us on WhatsApp

I have read and accepted the privacy policy . Our website uses the visitor action pixel from Facebook, Facebook Inc, 1601 S. California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA ("Facebook") for conversion measurement. This makes it possible to track the behavior of site visitors after they have been redirected to the provider's website by clicking on a Facebook ad. This allows the effectiveness of the Facebook ads to be evaluated for statistical and market research purposes and future advertising measures to be optimized.

• Presentation Skills

Effective Presentation Skills for Professionals

Search SkillsYouNeed:

Rhubarb The blog at SkillsYouNeed

• Rhubarb Front Page -guidelines for contributors-
• Essential Strategies to Boost Your Public Speaking Confidence
• What is a Pitch Deck and Why Do You Need One?
• Enhancing Creativity: A Guide to Harnessing Mid-Journey Prompts for Image Creation
• Strategic Planning for Conference Success - A Step-by-Step Guide for Teams
• Presentation Skills: Using AI To Help You Thrive in Your Presentations
• Mastering Soft Skills to Deliver Impactful Presentations
• How to Present Statistics and Analytics in an Effective Manner?
• 7 Tools to Improve Your Presentation Skills
• Five Reasons Why Singing Lessons Will Be a Game Changer for Your Public Speaking Efforts
• Captivating Presentations: Techniques to Engage and Retain Your Audience
• How Can AI Help in Creating Winning Presentations?
• How to Dress to Impress During an Important Presentation
• How to Present Effectively to your Colleagues
• How to Become a Better Public Speaker
• How You Can Improve Your Video Editing Skills
• What is Your Story? How to Identify Your Story from Raw Data
• Why Public Speaking and Communication Are So Important to Your Career
• Preparing for Oral Presentations
• Learn Better Presentation Skills with TED Talks
• How to Get People to Actually Listen to What You’re Saying
• Can Presentation Science Improve Your Presentation?
• 7 Public Speaking Tips For Introverts
• Psychological Secrets for Effective Presentations

Subscribe to our FREE newsletter and start improving your life in just 5 minutes a day.

You'll get our 5 free 'One Minute Life Skills' and our weekly newsletter.

We'll never share your email address and you can unsubscribe at any time.

In today's highly competitive professional landscape, effective presentation skills have become crucial for individuals across industries.

This article will discuss the importance of mastering the art of presentations and provide valuable insights into developing and enhancing practical presentation skills for professionals.

Whether delivering a compelling pitch, conducting an engaging training session, or presenting innovative ideas to colleagues and clients, the ability to deliver impactful presentations is a vital skill set. Alongside technical proficiency, connecting with the audience on a deeper level and delivering resonant presentations is essential.

Understanding the Power of Effective Communication

Effective presentation skills rely on the power to articulate with absolute clarity, unwavering confidence, and resounding impact.

Effective communication goes beyond words; it encompasses delivery, body language, and overall presentation style. Professionals must understand the importance of delivering clear messages, employing engaging storytelling techniques, and establishing an emotional connection with the audience. Through emotional intelligence training , professionals can understand and address the emotional needs of their audience. By honing their communication skills, professionals can ensure that their presentations leave a lasting impression.

Structuring the Presentation for Maximum Impact

An essential aspect of effective presentations is structuring the content logically and engagingly.

Professionals must learn how to organize their ideas , outline key points, and develop a cohesive flow that captures the audience's attention from beginning to end. Professionals can deliver presentations that resonate with their audience and leave a lasting impact by creating a clear structure with a compelling introduction, a well-organized body, and a powerful conclusion.

Mastering Visual Aids and Multimedia Tools

In today's digital age, visual aids and multimedia tools enhance presentations. Professionals should learn to effectively use visual aids , such as slides or graphics, to support their messages and engage the audience visually. Understanding how to create visually appealing and impactful presentations, utilizing multimedia tools effectively, and striking a balance between visuals and spoken content are key skills that professionals need to master.

Engaging the Audience through Delivery and Body Language

The delivery of a presentation and the effective use of body language greatly influence its impact. Professionals should focus on developing confident and engaging delivery styles that captivate the audience. This includes using appropriate gestures, maintaining eye contact, and employing vocal variety to convey emotions and emphasize key points. By harnessing the power of non-verbal communication, professionals can establish a solid connection with their audience and ensure that their message is received and understood.

Overcoming Nervousness and Building Confidence

Nervousness and stage fright are common challenges when it comes to presenting. Professionals must develop strategies to manage their nerves and build confidence in their presentation skills. Techniques such as thorough preparation, practicing in front of a mirror or with colleagues, and employing relaxation exercises can help professionals overcome anxiety and deliver presentations with poise and self-assurance.

Adapting to Different Audiences and Situations

Effective presenters understand the importance of adapting their style and content to different audiences and situations. Professionals should be able to tailor their presentations to suit their audience's needs, knowledge levels, and preferences. Whether presenting to a small group of colleagues or addressing a large conference, professionals must be flexible and adaptable in their approach, ensuring their message resonates with the specific audience they are addressing.

Enhancing Connection and Impact

Emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in effective presentations. Professionals who have undergone emotional intelligence training are better equipped to know and manage their own emotions and perceive and respond to the feelings of their audience. By recognizing and addressing their listeners' emotional needs and concerns, professionals can create a deeper connection, establish rapport, and deliver presentations that have a lasting impact on the audience.

Using Technology and Interactive Elements

In today's digital world, professionals can enhance their presentation skills by leveraging technology and incorporating interactive elements. This includes using presentation software with advanced features, such as interactive polls, quizzes, or multimedia integrations, to engage the audience actively. By embracing technological tools and interactive elements, professionals can create dynamic and immersive presentations that capture their audience's attention and promote active participation.

Storytelling for Impactful Presentations

Storytelling is a great tool that can elevate presentations to a new level of impact and memorability. Professionals can learn to weave compelling narratives into their presentations, using storytelling techniques to connect with their audience on an emotional level. By sharing genuine anecdotes, real-world case studies, or personal journeys, they can craft presentations that not only inform but also deeply resonate and inspire. Storytelling helps to create a narrative arc, build empathy, and effectively convey key messages, making the presentation more engaging and unique for the audience.

Harnessing Feedback for Continuous Improvement

One of the most effective ways to refine presentation skills is by actively seeking and using feedback . Post-presentation feedback from colleagues, peers, or audience members provides invaluable insights into areas of strength and potential improvement. By understanding the audience's perspective, professionals can identify gaps in their presentations, adjust their approach, and continuously refine their style. Constructive criticism can shed light on unnoticed habits or areas that might need more focus, such as pacing, clarity, or tone.

Another avenue for gathering feedback is self-assessment. Recording one's presentations and reviewing them can provide a personal perspective on areas of improvement. Watching oneself can reveal nuances in body language, tone, and content delivery that might go unnoticed in real-time.

Incorporating Diverse Presentation Formats

In a rapidly evolving professional landscape, the traditional PowerPoint presentation isn't the only way to convey information. Embracing diverse presentation formats, such as webinars, interactive workshops, panel discussions, or even podcast-style sessions, can help professionals cater to varied audiences and maintain engagement. Each format offers a unique way to interact with the audience, and by mastering multiple formats, professionals can ensure they are equipped to present in any situation.

Emphasis on Continuous Learning and Upgradation

The art of presenting, like any other skill, benefits from continuous learning. Attending workshops, reading relevant books, or enrolling in online courses can provide professionals with fresh perspectives, techniques, and tools to enhance their presentation skills. The world of communication is ever-evolving, and staying updated with the latest trends and methods ensures that professionals remain at the forefront of effective presentations.

The ability to convey ideas and information effectively through presentations is more important than ever in the current professional landscape. Beyond mastering the basic elements of presentation, professionals should emphasize feedback-driven improvement, diversify their presentation formats, and commit to continuous learning.

By embracing a holistic approach to presentation skills, professionals can ensure they remain effective, engaging, and impactful, irrespective of the setting or audience. Coupled with emotional intelligence and a deep understanding of content, this commitment to growth will pave the way for presentation excellence.

Continue to: Top Tips for Effective Presentations Self-Presentation in Presentations

See also: Key Presentation Skills and How Leaders Can Develop Them Upgrading Your Presentation Skills and How You Can Turn a No into a Yes 7 Tools to Improve Your Presentation Skills

How it works

For Business

Join Mind Tools

Presentation Skills

29  Resources

Giving presentations can be a daunting task for even the most experienced public speaker. Assess and develop your presentation skills using practical knowledge and tips, designed to help you prepare for, deliver and evaluate great presentations.

Explore Presentation Skills topics

Introducing Mind Tools for Business

Mind Tools for Business is a comprehensive library of award-winning performance and management support resources.

Whether you want to increase engagement, upskill teams, or complement your existing workplace programs – this is content designed to achieve impactful results.

Expert Interviews

The Art of Public Speaking

With Professor Steve Lucas

Presenting With Confidence

With Cordelia Ditton

Great Presentations

Managing presentation nerves.

How to Calm Your Stage Fright

Infographic

10 Common Presentation Mistakes Infographic

Infographic Transcript

Even Better Presentations

Creating effective presentation visuals.

Connecting People With Your Message

Giving Presentations on a Web Conferencing Platform

Self-Assessment

How Good Are Your Presentation Skills?

Understanding Your Impact

Visual Aids Checklist

Ensure That the Visual Aids You Choose to Use in Your Presentations Are Fit for Purpose

How to Structure a Presentation

Choosing the Best Format for Your Audience

The Presentation Planning Checklist

Better public speaking.

Becoming a Confident, Compelling Speaker

Crafting an Elevator Pitch

Introducing Your Company Quickly and Compellingly

How to Guides

Taking Questions After a Presentation

A Process for Answering the Audience

Could You Say a Few Words?

A Four-Step Strategy for Impromptu Speaking

Effective Presentations

Learn How to Present Like a Pro

Speaking to an Audience

Communicate Complex Ideas Successfully

5 Funky Presentation Techniques Infographic

4 steps for conquering presentation nerves.

Banish Your Stage Fright

Business Skills

Personal Development

Leadership and Management

Most Popular

Newest Releases

What Are Henri Fayol's Five Functions of Management?

Henri Fayol's Principles of Management

Mind Tools Store

About Mind Tools Content

Discover something new today

Connecting remote and hybrid workers to organizational mission.

Bringing people together through a shared purpose

Is Our Partnership at Risk?

Identify Those Areas of Partnership Work Which May Have Been Left Open to Risk

How Emotionally Intelligent Are You?

Boosting Your People Skills

What's Your Leadership Style?

Learn About the Strengths and Weaknesses of the Way You Like to Lead

Recommended for you

Doing more than one job.

How to Juggle Multiple Roles

Business Operations and Process Management

Strategy Tools

Customer Service

Business Ethics and Values

Handling Information and Data

Project Management

Knowledge Management

Self-Development and Goal Setting

Time Management

Learning Skills

Career Skills

Communication Skills

Negotiation, Persuasion and Influence

Working With Others

Difficult Conversations

Creativity Tools

Self-Management

Work-Life Balance

Stress Management and Wellbeing

Coaching and Mentoring

Change Management

Team Management

Managing Conflict

Delegation and Empowerment

Performance Management

Leadership Skills

Developing Your Team

Talent Management

Problem Solving

Decision Making

10 Steps to Improve Presentation Skills and Smash Your Next Presentation

Mar 4, 2024 | Blog

Delivering an amazing presentation is an art form that combines preparation, practice, and a touch of your own personal flair. Whether you’re presenting at work, doing some kind of public speaking or delivering a keynote speech, honing your presentation skills is crucial.

How to improve presentation skills

A key thing to remember here is that the skill of presenting is just that, a skill, that you can learn and develop. It’s not something you’re either born with or not and with a bit of focus and attention you can absolutely improve your presentation skills and feel more confident.

What are presentation skills?

Presentation skills are the competencies required to communicate information and ideas to an audience. These skills encompass a wide range of abilities, including designing and organising content, public speaking, using visual aids and technology, engaging with the audience, and managing public speaking anxiety. Good presentation skills enable you to get your message across clearly and persuasively, making a lasting impact on your audience.

Download your {FREE} Anxiety Free Public Speaking Guide

The importance of presentation skills

Presentation skills are crucial for professional and personal success. They enable individuals to convey their ideas, persuade others, and establish credibility within their field. Effective presentation skills can lead to career advancement, successful business pitches, and the ability to influence and inspire others. They also enhance an individual's confidence and ability to communicate in various settings, making them invaluable in almost every aspect of work and life.

How do you prepare for a presentation?

Preparation is key for an amazing presentation. For a work presentation, can you ask one of your colleagues to watch you practise and give you feedback. Make sure you practice your delivery multiple times. Arrive early so you're not flustered and can get a feel for the space you're going to be presenting in. It can be nice to greet audience members as they arrive to create a connection, giving you both a feeling of ease and intimacy before you start to speak.

Make sure you've eaten or had a snack beforehand so that your blood sugar levels are steady, stay hydrated and don't forget to take a deep breath before you start to speak.

Tips for presentation skills

Below, I'm sharing ten presentation tips to elevate your game, ensuring you captivate and engage your audience from start to finish.

1. Start with a Story

Begin your presentation with a compelling story related to your topic. Stories create emotional connections and can make complex information more relatable. As humans, we naturally tune in and pay attention to stories, and we want to know how they end. This approach not only grabs attention but also sets the tone for an engaging presentation. Consider a personal anecdote or a historical tale that ties back to your main points.

2. Master the Art of the Pause

Strategic pauses can add dramatic effect and give your audience time to absorb information and give you stage presence. After introducing a significant point or asking a rhetorical question, pause for a few seconds. This technique can enhance what makes a good speech by allowing your message to resonate more deeply with the audience.

3. Use Visuals Wisely

Enhance your presentation with visuals that complement your message without overwhelming your audience. Instead of text-heavy slides, opt for high-quality images, simple graphs, or short videos that illustrate your points. Remember, visuals should support your narrative, not replace it.

Download the Hypnotherapy for Public Speaking Audio here

4. Engage with Questions

Encourage audience participation by posing questions throughout your presentation. This interactive approach keeps the audience engaged and makes your presentation more dynamic. Tailor your questions to spark curiosity and invite reflection.

5. Stay calm

It's normal to feel nervous about public speaking - for most people it's their number one fear. But staying calm and grounded will help you to think clearly, speak slowly and call on all of your resources and abilities effectively. A fantastic tool to try is this hypnosis audio for public speaking , which helps you to trust yourself, be present and feel excited to give your presentation.

6. Practice with Purpose

Effective presentation practice goes beyond simply rehearsing your speech. Record yourself presenting and review the footage to identify areas for improvement. Pay attention to your body language, tone of voice, and pacing. Additionally, practice in front of a trusted friend or colleague who can provide constructive feedback.

7. Visual aids

When preparing your slides, prioritise clarity and simplicity. Use a clean design with plenty of white space, and choose fonts and colours that are easy to read from a distance. Each slide should convey a single idea, ensuring your message is clear and focused.

8. Embrace Your Authentic Style

Authenticity resonates with audiences. Instead of trying to emulate someone else's presentation style, embrace your unique voice and personality. Share your enthusiasm for the topic and let your genuine interest shine through. Authenticity is key to making a connection with your audience.

9. Anticipate Questions

Part of effective presentation preparation involves anticipating potential questions from your audience. Think about the queries that might arise and prepare concise, informative responses. This readiness demonstrates your expertise and helps maintain the flow of your presentation.

10. Conclude with a Call to Action

End your presentation with a clear and compelling call to action. Encourage your audience to take a specific step, whether it's adopting a new perspective, applying the information learned, or exploring the topic further. A strong closing leaves a lasting impression and can inspire action long after your presentation finishes.

By integrating these tips into your presentation skills development, you'll not only improve your ability to deliver a presentation but also enhance your overall impact as a speaker. Remember, the goal of any presentation is to inform, persuade, and inspire. It's also a learning process that will get easier with practise as you develop your own presentation styles. With thoughtful presentation preparation and a commitment to continuous improvement, you can transform any speaking opportunity into an amazing presentation that captivates and resonates with your audience.

Download your FREE Public Speaking Checklist

Frequently asked questions

What are some presentation skills examples.

Presentation skills examples include the ability to engage the audience, effective use of visual aids, clear and concise communication, confident body language , and the ability to handle questions and feedback constructively. These skills also encompass the presenter's ability to structure their presentation logically, use storytelling to make the content more relatable, and adapt their delivery based on audience feedback and engagement levels.

What are the 4 types of presentation skills?

The 4 types of presentation skills include verbal communication, which involves the clear articulation of ideas; non-verbal communication, such as body language and eye contact; visual aids usage, which enhances understanding through slides, charts, or videos; and audience engagement, which involves interacting with the audience to keep them interested and involved in the presentation.

What are the 5 P's of presentation skills?

The 5 P's of presentation skills are Planning, Preparation, Practice, Presentation, and Post-Presentation. Planning involves outlining the objectives and structure of your talk. Preparation is about gathering and organizing your material. Practice means rehearsing your presentation to improve delivery. Presentation refers to the actual delivery of your talk, focusing on engaging your audience. Post-Presentation involves reflecting on feedback and experiences to improve future presentations.

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Submit Comment

You might also like

How to Overcome Public Speaking Anxiety Fast

Feeling like you'd rather disappear than stand up and speak in front of a crowd? You're in good company. Many of us get that heart-racing, palm-sweating feeling at the mere thought of public speaking. But here's the good news: conquering this fear is totally doable,...

Self Care Sunday: 11 Unique self care ideas to try this week

So, you’ve probably heard about "Self-Care Sunday," right? It’s that day dedicated to doing all the good stuff for yourself, like soaking in a bubble bath, slapping on a face mask, or just lounging in bed. Those things might be your jam and that's great - or maybe...

75 Transformative Self Love Affirmations to Boost Your Self-Worth

Looking for a daily dose of self-compassion? Discover how self-love affirmations can morph your self-talk from critical to supportive. In the following sections, find powerful affirmations that champion self-acceptance, along with advice for embedding these positive...

• Kansas State University

Status of ITS resources

• K-State home
• » K-State News
• » K-State selected for immersive education project to help students learn soft skills

K-State News

• K-State Today
• Seek research magazine
• Graduation/honors lists

K-State News Kansas State University 128 Dole Hall 1525 Mid-Campus Dr North Manhattan, KS 66506

785-532-2535 [email protected]

K-State selected for immersive education project to help students learn soft skills

Monday, March 11, 2024

K-State's College of Health and Human Sciences and Salina campus have been selected for a cooperative research project that provides virtual reality training for students to have immersive learning opportunities. | Download this photo.

MANHATTAN — Thanks to a cooperative research project that provides state-of-the-art technology equipment, Kansas State University students will use virtual reality to advance their communication and presentation skills to prepare for careers after graduation. K-State's College of Health and Human Sciences and Salina campus have been selected for the Soft Skills Education Research Project for Business and Healthcare Schools from Bodyswaps and Meta. This immersive learning opportunity will feature the use of Meta's Quest 2 headsets, all-in-one virtual reality headsets that allow users to immerse themselves in new virtual worlds, according to Meta. The in-kind grant of VR equipment and related software is through the company Bodyswaps , an award-winning VR platform that brings realistic simulations and artificial intelligence-enabled feedback to soft skills training. Students can practice and fail safely without repercussions while building the communication, teamwork and leadership skills needed to be successful in their careers. Michael Oetken, assistant professor and graduate faculty in the department of integrated studies, is leading the project for K-State Salina and says that it will result in new, innovative ways of learning for students by putting them in high-stakes situations virtually. The project allows K-State Salina to focus on technology modules through Bodyswaps. "K-State Salina is putting a greater emphasis on implementing technology into the curriculum," Oetken said. "The Soft Skills Education Research Project will let students practice, train and learn using VR. This will be a safe place where they can practice things like proposing an idea to a board of directors." Oetken said the software can record the students, which allows them to go back and watch their presentation from the perspective of the board members and adjust. "This will prepare our students to go into their industries ready to make innovative solutions with confidence," Oetken said. K-State's College of Health and Human Sciences will focus on health care modules through the Soft Skills Education Research Project for Business and Healthcare Schools. "The Soft Skills Education Research Project has provided an amazing opportunity for learners in the communication sciences and disorders program to explore soft skills training in a psychologically safer environment than traditional in-person role plays," said David Rehfeld, assistant professor in the communication sciences and disorders program. "Using this technology, learners are able to practice skills like active listening and helping patients with communication disorders feel heard during tough conversations." Rehfeld said this opportunity has also provided learners with more hands-on opportunities to connect research to the classroom and clinical practice, which helps them be more confident in their abilities before they engage with the local community in the K-State Speech and Hearing Clinic or off-campus placements. Students will be going through the program to collect data for Meta this semester. K-State Salina then plans to implement the soft skills education into the curriculum in future years. 

Media contact

K-State Salina Communications and Marketing 785-422-7342 [email protected]  

College of Health and Human Sciences

K-State Salina

• Statements and disclosures
• Accessibility

• Manhattan, KS 66506
• 785-532-6011
• © Kansas State University
• Updated: 3/11/24

Subscribe   |   Donate   |   En Español

Opportunity! Public Speaking for Students

Do you know a college student with an intellectual disability who dreams of improving their public speaking skills? We have an exciting opportunity tailored just for them! For the second summer, Think College Network and Westchester Institute for Human Development (WIHD) are offering the Presentation Skills Coaching Model. It's a nine-week online  training designed to empower students to become confident and effective speakers. 

About the Presentation Skills Coaching Model  

Our coaching program is aimed at college students with intellectual disability who aspire to enhance their public speaking abilities. Led by experienced instructors, Mariela Adams and Nichole Hastings from WIHD, alongside guest speakers from the disability advocacy community, this course offers a supportive environment for students to develop their communication skills and amplify their voices on important issues. 

Why Recommend This Program?  

If you know a student with an intellectual disability who is interested in public speaking and could benefit from improved communication skills and increased confidence in public speaking, this program is the perfect opportunity for them.  

By participating in the Presentation Skills Coaching Model, students will: 

• Enhance Communication Skills: Through interactive sessions and personalized coaching, students will learn essential public speaking techniques and gain confidence in expressing themselves effectively. 
• Build Confidence: The supportive environment of the program encourages students to step out of their comfort zones, receive constructive feedback, and grow in their abilities. 
• Empowerment through Advocacy: By honing their public speaking skills, students will be equipped to advocate for disability awareness and inclusion in their communities. 

Details 

The Presentation Skills Coaching Model will take place on Wednesdays from 1-2pm ET throughout the summer, running from May 15 to July 17, 2024. Sessions will be held on an online learning space called on Canvas.

Topics Covered Include: 

• What makes a good public speaker 
• Finding your presentation topic 
• Using storytelling in presentations 
• Connecting your story to an advocacy message 
• And more! 

Together, let's empower students with intellectual disability to thrive as confident and effective speakers. For more information about the Presentation Skills Coaching Model or to recommend a student, please contact us at  [email protected] . 

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

Top 10 Sites for Advanced Business English Lessons

If you’re an advanced business English learner, we’d say that you can see the light at the end of the tunnel .

It’s both an exciting and a frustrating place to be. You’ve made so much progress so far, and now you just want to be fluent!

Well, that’s exactly what the advanced business English lessons in this article are designed to help you with.

They’ll get you comfortable with specific areas of professional English as well as your overall workplace communication skills .

Are You Ready for Advanced Business English? 

Resources for advanced business english lessons, 1. speakspeak.com, 2. fluentu english, 3. business training’s advanced business english diploma course, 4. british council’s business english lessons, 5. business english complete: english for professionals, 6. cranefield academy of knowledge’s advanced business english course, 7. businessenglishresources, 8. video vocab’s industry-specific lessons, 9. interviewing and resume writing in english specialization, 10. improve your business english: english for presentations.

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

Before we dive into the resources, let’s make sure you’re ready for advanced level business English. Ask yourself these questions (and answer honestly!): 

• Can you hold a simple conversation in business English without facing any difficulty whatsoever?
• Can you write basic memos, emails and reports  whenever you’re tasked to do so?
• Do you wish you had greater mastery over speaking and writing complex sentences with several clauses in them?
• Are you good at facing interviews but still feel slightly nervous at the prospect of meeting a new client ?
• Do you wish you were more confident and natural  during presentations and conference calls ?

If you answered “yes” to most or all of these questions, it’s highly likely that you’re ready to take advanced lessons in business English.

However, it’s always better to take a level test from an English-teaching facility to accurately assess your learning level. This article has a few tests you can take to get an idea of where you’re at: 

https://www.fluentu.com/blog/business-english/business-english-test-2/

Once you’re sure that you’re ready for this final stage, you can browse these resources and choose the ones that apply to you. 

The first seven are complete online courses that will build and polish your advanced skills in speaking, writing, listening and presenting. The last three focus on specific language-learning resources for those who are fluent in some areas but have difficulty with others, like job interviews or presentations.

This website has a comprehensive list of grammar rules that you need for everyday use, as well as vocabulary practice exercises sorted by skill level.

We recommend that you check out the Business English Vocabulary  section, which covers vocabulary for your CV, presentations, emails and more.

The advanced Words Used in News Headlines section covers words that often appear in news headlines . By regularly completing the exercises listed on this site, the chances of coming across unfamiliar words in your daily reading or during conversations will considerably decrease.

The FluentU language learning program immerses you in native English content made by and for English speakers .

You’ll find useful business-related content in the library of movie trailers, vlogs, music videos and more. For example, there are business industry discussions, tips for business owners and etiquette at business gatherings.

There are over 800 advanced 1 and advanced 2 English videos , with more content added regularly.

If you’re looking for an advanced home study program , then this course might be the one for you. You’ll obtain a diploma that you can put on your CV to prove your business English skills.

This course is primarily devoted to polishing your business writing skills , so it’s useful if you need greater confidence to write reports, newsletters and business plans .

It aims to help you become faster and more efficient at your job and thereby increase your chances of a promotion. They also have a one-month trial if you’re unsure whether it’s the right choice. 

The British Council’s business English lessons are expertly designed to empower professionals with the language skills needed to thrive in today’s global business landscape.

On their website, you can find various activities to improve your interview skills, write professional emails in English and boost your knowledge about important business topics and issues.

Resources include videos, podcasts and articles , accompanied by tasks to increase your understanding of the topic and put your new language skills into practice.

While many of the resources say they’re at the intermediate to upper intermediate level, we find they provide a good refresher and practice even for advanced learners. 

Topics cover everything from essential business English vocabulary and expressions to job interview strategies and communication skills for working with colleagues. 

The course includes 18.5 hours of video, 28 downloadable resources, a certificate of completion and more. You can listen to business English dialogues to get a good idea of how to interact in different situations. 

It’s offered by Udemy , another great option for online learning where you’ll often find incredible discounts for all types of classes.

It’s a 10-week, part-time course that’s guaranteed to improve your communication skills for any formal situation .

You’ll get lecture videos and other learning resources every week. Assignments are submitted online.

If you do really well in the final assessment and score 75% or higher, you’ll receive a certificate that’s sure to impress your business connections and future employers.

We recommend you take their advanced grammar exams to test your understanding and use of the more difficult grammar rules, such as English modals and the subjunctive .

You can also keep this site bookmarked and use it to brush up on a wide range of topics you encounter at work. These might include  business English idioms , workplace euphemisms  or the right phrase to close an email .

Each video is under 10 minutes long and covers topics relating to product management, accounting and finance, legal issues, technology, marketing and more.

You’ll learn the meanings of difficult words as well as the right context in which to use them. This in turn will ensure that your business reports and company presentations are more detailed and enriching, and that you’re using the right terms for your field of work.

You’ll also learn how to create strong resumes and cover letters . These courses should improve your confidence for being interviewed or successfully interviewing others.

You can opt to take just one individual course or the whole series. And you’ll get a certificate that you can put on your CV after completion. If you’re interested in similar courses, Coursera has tons of options from prestigious universities across the globe.

Another offering on the Udemy platform, this is a valuable resource for professionals seeking to enhance their English language skills specifically for presentations and public speaking in a corporate context.

The course covers essential phrases, vocabulary and techniques necessary for delivering impactful business presentations. Students will gain confidence in constructing persuasive arguments, handling Q&A sessions , and engaging their audience effectively.

The course provides practical insights and real-world examples, making it applicable across various industries and professions . Whether you’re a business leader, entrepreneur or aspiring professional, this course equips you with the language tools to excel in your presentations.

With these exceptional advanced business English lessons online, you can go from nearly fluent to wow-ing your coworkers, boss and clients. 

So pick one or two that fit your needs and get studying! You’ll be glad you invested in yourself once you’ve got that certificate on your resume. 

Enter your e-mail address to get your free PDF!

We hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe

CLIENT LOGIN         HOURS OF OPERATION

• Debt Consolidation
• Debt Management
• Debt Settlement
• Credit Card Debt Forgiveness
• Debt Consolidation Programs
• Military & Veteran Debt Relief
• Credit Counseling
• Online Bankruptcy Classes
• Housing Counseling
• Foreclosure Prevention Counseling
• Eviction Prevention Help
• Credit Card Debt
• Student Loan Debt Relief
• Family Finances
• Credit Scores & Credit Reports
• Getting Out of Debt with Bad Credit
• Financial Literacy
• Financial Help
• Tools & Resources
• Budgeting Tips
• Military Money
• Hours of Operation
• Client Success Stories
• Partner With Us
• Financial Literacy for High School Students

Home » Financial Literacy » Resources for Teachers » Financial Literacy for High School Students

Are You Teaching Financial Literacy To High School Students?

The teaching curriculum consists of fourteen lesson plans & worksheets designed to augment a semester course in life skills and personal finance management. The Teacher’s Guide, compiled in a separate, easy-to-use notebook, includes an outline of the curriculum:

• Lesson objectives
• Suggested resources
• Teaching notes
• Chart indicating appropriate age groups for the key learnings offered in each lesson
• Presentation slides
• Answer keys to worksheets (when necessary)

Introductory Overview to Financial Literacy for High School Students

Lesson one: making personal finance decisions.

Each day, we are faced with many decisions. While most decisions are simple, such as “what should I wear?” or “what should I eat?,” others are more complex, such as “should I buy a new or used car?”  As decision-making skills are used and improved, a person’s quality of life is enhanced. Wiser choices result in better use of time, money, and other resources.  This introductory lesson provides students with an opportunity to learn more about decision-making. The lesson starts with an overview of the decision-making process followed by a discussion of various internal and external factors that affect decisions.

Teacher’s Guide –  Lesson One: Making Decisions

Student Guide – Lesson One: Making Decisions

Teacher’s Slide Presentation – Lesson One: Making Decisions

Teacher’s Power Point Presentation – Lesson One: Making Decisions

Lesson Two: Making Money

Building your career is one of the surest ways to increase income and make money. When planning for the future, one of the most critical financial decisions is determining your career path.  In this lesson, students will be encouraged to consider various topics related to career planning and the financial aspects of employment. This variation of the decision-making process can help a person match personal abilities and interests with appropriate employment opportunities.

Teacher’s Guide – Lesson Two: Making Money

Student Guide – Lesson Two: Making Money

Teacher’s Slide Presentation – Lesson Two: Making Money

Teacher’s Power Point Presentation – Lesson Two: Making Money

Lesson Three: The Art of Budgeting

A personal budget is a financial plan that allocates future income toward expenses, savings, and debt repayment. “Where does the money go?” is a common dilemma faced by many individuals and households when it comes to budgeting and money management.  Effective money management starts with a goal and a step-by-step plan for saving and spending. Financial goals should be realistic, be specific, have a timeframe, and imply an action to be taken. This lesson will encourage students to take the time and effort to develop their own personal financial goals and budget.

Teacher’s Guide – Lesson Three: The Art Of Budgeting

Student Guide – Lesson Three: The Art Of Budgeting

Teacher’s Slide Presentation – Lesson Three: The Art Of Budgeting

Teachers Power Point Presentation – Lesson Three: The Art Of Budgeting

Lesson Four: Living on Your Own

As young people grow up, a common goal is to live on their own. However, the challenges of independent living are often quite different from their expectations. This lesson provides a reality check for students as they investigate the costs associated with moving, obtaining furniture and appliances, and renting an apartment.

Teacher’s Guide – Lesson Four: Living On Your Own

Student Guide  – Lesson Four: Living On Your Own

Teacher’s Slide Presentation – Lesson Four: Living On Your Own

Teacher’s Power Point Presentation – Lesson Four: Living On Your Own

Lesson Five: Buying a Home

For many, buying a home is the single most important financial decision they will make in their lifetime.  However, the process of becoming a first-time homebuyer can be overwhelming, and requires a foundation for basic home-buying knowledge.  This lesson will provide students with information on buying a home and where and how to begin the process. After comparing the differences between renting and buying, students will be introduced to a five-step process for home buying. This framework provides an overview for the activities involved with selecting and purchasing a home.

Teacher’s Guide – Lesson Five: Buying A Home

Student Guide – Lesson Five: Buying A Home

Teacher’s Slide Presentation – Lesson Five: Buying A Home

Teacher’s Power Point Presentation – Lesson Five: Buying A Home

Lesson Six: Banking Services

If the fee for an ATM transaction to withdraw money is $1 and a person withdraws money twice a week, the banking fees for that person will be $104 a year. Over a five-year period, those fees invested at five percent would grow to more than $570.  Most students know that banks and other financial institutions (credit unions, savings and loan associations) offer a variety of services. However, few people know how to make wise choices when using financial services. In this lesson, students will learn about the different types of financial service products available and the features of each.

Teacher’s Guide – Lesson Six: Banking Services

Student Guide – Lesson Six: Banking Services

Teacher’s Slide Presentation – Lesson Six: Banking Services

Teacher’s Power Point Presentation – Lesson Six: Banking Services

Lesson Seven: Credit

In today’s world, credit is integrated into everyday life. From renting a car to reserving an airline ticket or hotel room, credit cards have become a necessary convenience. However, using credit wisely is critical to building a solid credit history and maintaining fiscal fitness. While most students have a general idea about the advantages and disadvantages of credit, this lesson provides an opportunity to discuss these issues in more detail.

Teachers Guide – Lesson Seven: Credit

Student Guide – Lesson Seven: Credit

Teacher’s Slide Presentation – Lesson Seven: Credit

Teacher’s Power Point Presentation – Lesson Seven: Credit

Lesson Eight: Credit Cards

What is APR? What is a grace period? What are transaction fees?  These and other questions will be answered in this lesson as students learn about credit cards, and the different types of cards available and features of each, such as bank cards, store cards, and travel and entertainment cards.

As students start to shop for their first (or next) credit card, this lesson will make them aware of various costs and features. Included in this section is a discussion of the methods for calculating finance charges.  Various federal laws protect our rights as we apply for and use credit cards, such as procedures for disputes and protection from card theft and fraud. In this lesson, students will also be given an opportunity to analyze the information contained on a credit card statement.

Teacher’s Guide – Lesson Eight: Credit Cards

Student Guide – Lesson Eight: Credit Cards

Teacher’s Slide Presentation – Lesson Eight: Credit Cards

Teacher’s Power Point Presentation – Lesson Eight: Credit Cards

Lesson Nine: Cars and Loans

“Should I buy a new car or a used car?”  “Where is the best place to finance my automobile purchase?”  “Is it better to take the rebate or the low-rate financing plan?”  These are typical questions asked by people buying vehicles. In this lesson, students are asked to identify costs associated with owning and operating a motor vehicle. Since these costs are commonly underestimated, guidelines are provided on how much to spend when buying vehicles.

Teacher’s Guide – Lesson Nine: Cars And Loans

Student Guide – Lesson Nine: Cars And Loans

Teacher’s Slide Presentation – Lesson Nine: Cars And Loans

Teacher’s Power Point Presentation – Lesson Nine: Cars And Loans

Lesson Ten: The Influence of Advertising

In today’s modern world, advertising seems to be everywhere we look; online, television, billboards, magazines, newspapers, on buses, grocery carts, even cell phones.  In addition, some forms of advertising can be subliminal, such as the strategically-placed soda can in a movie. We can’t help but be influenced and manipulated as consumers. In this lesson, students will become aware of the various techniques and appeals used to influence consumer behavior.

Teachers Guide – Lesson Ten: The Influence Of Advertising

Lesson 10: The Influence of Advertising – High School Student Guide

Teacher’s Slide Presentation – Lesson Ten: The Influence Of Advertising

Teacher’s Power Point Presentation – Lesson Ten: The Influence Of Advertising

Lesson Eleven: Consumer Awareness

Decisions, decisions. With so many choices available to us, how can we be sure we’re making the right decision?  Wise consumer buying starts with a plan. Using a systematic purchasing strategy will provide students with an ability to make more effective purchases. Comparative shopping techniques will be discussed to encourage students to carefully consider price, product attributes, warranties, and store policies. Next, this lesson covers a variety of buying methods, such as buying clubs, shopping by phone, catalogs, online, and door-to-door selling.

Teacher’s Guide – Lesson Eleven: Consumer Awareness

Student Guide – Lesson Eleven: Consumer Awareness

Teacher’s Slide Presentation – Lesson Eleven: Consumer Awareness

Teacher’s Power Point Presentation – Lesson Eleven: Consumer Awareness

Lesson Twelve: Saving and Investing

Saving just 35 cents a day will result in more than $125 in a year. Small amounts saved and invested can easily grow into larger sums. However, a person must start to save.  This lesson provides students with a basic knowledge of saving and investing. The process starts with setting financial goals. Next, a commitment to saving is discussed.

Teacher’s Guide – Lesson Twelve: Saving And Investing

Student Guide – Lesson Twelve: Saving And Investing

Teacher’s Slide Presentation – Lesson Twelve: Saving And Investing

Teacher’s Power Point Presentation – Lesson Twelve: Saving And Investing

Lesson Thirteen: In Trouble

The material in this lesson will help students become aware of the warning signs of financial difficulties. This lesson includes information on where to go for debt consolidation help and for nonprofit credit counseling .

Teacher’s Guide – Lesson Thirteen: In Trouble

Student Guide – Lesson Thirteen: In Trouble

Teacher’s Slide Presentation – Lesson Thirteen: In Trouble

Teacher’s Power Point Presentation – Lesson Thirteen: In Trouble

Lesson Fourteen: Consumer Privacy

In today’s information age, keeping your personal financial information private can be challenging. What you put on an application for a loan, your payment history, where you make purchases, and your account balances are but a few of the financial records that can be sold to third parties and other organizations.  This lesson, with attached budgeting activities, will encourage high school students to take the time and effort to develop their own personal financial goals and spending behaviors.

Teacher’s Guide – Lesson Fourteen: Consumer Privacy

Student Guide – Lesson Fourteen: Consumer Privacy

Teacher’s Slide Presentation – Lesson Fourteen: Consumer Privacy

Teacher’s Power Point Presentation – Lesson Fourteen: Consumer Privacy

Supplementary Resources

In an effort to give you the most up-to-date information for teaching and making personal financial decisions, we’ve compiled the following lists of periodicals and organizations that can enhance your use of Practical Money Skills for Life.

More Resources for Students: The Cost of College 

The cost to attend college has soared faster than almost any segment of the economy over the last 30 years. The average cost for students attending a public university is up 213% ($3,190 in 1988 to $9,970 in 2018), while private school is up 129% ($15,160 to $34,740) over the same time period.

That’s the primary reason Americans are $1.4 trillion in debt on student loans.

The good news is that are hundreds of online sites offering tips on not just what it will cost, but what you can do to pay for it. So, take a deep breath and check out these sites that should help you find a college you can afford to attend.

• www.collegedata.com : This is a wonderful resource for everything from cost factors to how to apply to how to pay your own way.
• www.trends.collegeboard.org : They specialize in providing historical data on college pricing, financial aid and what your degree will be worth when you graduate.
• https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/prepare-for-college/choosing-schools/consider/costs : This is the site for the Department of Education, which provides approximately 67% of college financial aid. You will find detailed evaluation of costs and financial aid here.
• https://www.aie.org/ : This site offers answers on the cost of college, how to finance it and even how to manage money while you’re there.
• https://nces.ed.gov/ : This is a government site that collects and analyzes date from every college and provides accurate data on average cost of attendance.
• www.mykidscollegechoice.com : Very focused on finding a college you can afford and ways to pay for it.
• www.collegecountdown.com : Asks and answers questions about actual costs of college, school that fit you financially and how to evaluate offers you receive from colleges.

Other Resources for Teachers

• Debt Relief For Teachers
• Student Loan Forgiveness for Teachers
• Financial Literacy for Teachers

You will need Adobe Reader to view the PDF Download Adobe Reader

10 MINUTE READ

Financial Literacy Menu

• Financial Literacy Workshops & Webinars
• Financial Data
• Resources for Teachers
• Free Financial Literacy Resources for College Students
• Using Comic Books To Teach Financial Literacy
• How to Calculate Debt-To-Income Ratio
• Free Financial Literacy Workshops For Habitat For Humanity Homebuyers
• Free Personal Finance Workshops At Goodwill
• Financial Literacy Education Statistics from FINRA’s NFCS
• Financial Literacy for Kids
• Free Financial Literacy Program For Teachers: Teach Money
• How Much Are Americans Saving for College, Retirement and Emergencies?
• What Do Social Security Taxes Pay For?
• Life Insurance for Seniors
• Is Life Insurance Worth It?
• When Should I Get Life Insurance?
• Retirement Checklist
• High-Risk Loans
• What Is Check Cashing?
• Title Loans
• Should We Deduct Our Daughter’s Loan From Her Inheritance?
• Bonds 101: Bond Investment Basics

Jensen Huang, the CEO of tech titan Nvidia, has a message for the world about artificial intelligence: You ain’t seen nothing yet.

Speaking to a standing room-only audience at the 2024 SIEPR Economic Summit, Huang predicted that in as little as five years AI will be able to pass every test a human takes — not just the legal bar exams that it can complete today, but also highly specialized medical licensing exams.

In about 10 years, he said, the computational capabilities of AI systems will be a million times bigger than they are today. Systems synthetically generating data will have greater capacity to continuously learn, infer, and imagine. Instead of only instantly answering questions, forthcoming AI systems will also have the ability to think critically through problems over longer periods of time.

“In the future, the way you interact with AI will be very different” from what can be done with ChatGPT and other AI models today, said Huang in a keynote question-and-answer session led by John Shoven , a SIEPR senior fellow, emeritus; and the Charles R. Schwab Professor of Economics, emeritus, in Stanford’s School of Humanities and Sciences.

But does this mean AI technology will be able to mimic the human mind? Huang said he wasn’t sure. There needs to be a consensus about what it means to say AI has achieved human intelligence.

In order to have true artificial general intelligence, he said, “you need to know what the definition of success is.”

The gift of pain and suffering

Having co-founded Nvidia more than 30 years ago, Huang now finds himself at the center of the tech universe. His company, whose market value hit $2 trillion last month (after reaching $1 trillion the previous June), has rocketed thanks to its sophisticated and hugely expensive semiconductor chips and its estimated market share of more than 80 percent in AI chips.

“We sell the world’s first quarter-million-dollar chip,” Huang noted, referring to Nvidia’s powerful graphical processing unit system that weighs 70 pounds, consists of 35,000 parts and has the computing capacity of a data center.

During his Summit appearance, Huang regaled attendees with his insights and now-familiar deadpan humor. Asked about his signature outfit of black leather jacket, black shirt, and black pants, Huang said they are among the few pieces of clothing that don’t make him itch.

When asked his advice for Stanford students aspiring to be successful entrepreneurs, Huang talked about the importance of low expectations and high resilience. Greatness, he said, comes from smart people who have suffered from setbacks. This is why, at Nvidia, he talks openly about pain and suffering “with great glee.”

“For all of you Stanford students,” he said, “I wish upon you ample doses of pain and suffering.”

Watch the full discussion.

More News Topics

The government has a workforce crisis. one of its best-kept secrets can fix it..

• Media Mention
• Money and Finance

‘Short bursts’ of tutoring improves young readers’ skills in only minutes a day, Stanford study finds

Car loans are a hidden driver of the ride-sharing economy.

• Regulation and Competition
• Housing and Infrastructure

Announcing Alexa Presentation Language (APL) 2024.1

We’re pleased to announce Alexa Presentation Language (APL) 2024.1 that includes several new features. We are excited to also announce tools that boost developer productivity including pseudo localization. Additional details about each of these enhancements are included below.

Do more with ‘onChange’ handler on bound variables

Introducing the new the onChange event handler to bound property definitions. Developers can now automatically trigger the onChange event when the values of bound variables change.  Developers can create self-contained APL components that automatically adjust to changes from within. This eliminates the need to duplicate the logic for component changes where the change was originally made. The onChange event handler is not available in AVG items. A common use of the  onChange  event handler is to respond to changes in dynamic data sources. For example if the  FishFeeder data object  has a property named  TankTemperature , then an  onChange  handler can be used to track the minimum and maximum tank temperatures:

Track real-time updates on APL component visibility changes

We’re excited to introduce the handleVisibilityChange handler that runs in the component data-binding context and streamlines how you track component visibility and impressions.  The handleVisibilityChange handler in APL offers developers practical advantages. It provides accurate updates on component visibility changes in real-time, improving the responsiveness of APL documents. Developers can exercise granular control by tailoring visibility tracking to focus on essential elements, reducing unnecessary computations and enhancing overall performance. The handler simplifies the management of complexities like occlusion and cumulative transforms, ensuring a clearer view of components. Additionally, it enhances accessibility, allowing developers to effortlessly access information, make informed decisions, and seamlessly integrate data with external systems. Using this handler ensures you receive accurate updates on your component's positioning, clipping, display, transformations, and animations. Simply add the handleVisibilityChange handler to your APL documents for improved visibility tracking and tailor it to focus on specific elements aligned with your development goals.

Dynamically iterate over the keys in your Map  

In APL development, we often encounter scenarios where customers utilize Map data structures to supply named objects, where the key represents the object's name and the value holds the data to be displayed. Recognizing the need for enhanced flexibility, we're introducing the Map.keys(object) method. This method serves as a valuable asset for developers to dynamically iterate over the keys of an object, especially in instances where it's advantageous to display all items in the map without having to know the keys in advance. As an example, you can use this method to read out not just your own map objects but also the entirety of available viewport properties.

You can even use this method to read out and explore the properties of an event object.

The Map.keys() method simplifies the process by returning an array of keys associated with a given map, eliminating the necessity of hard-coded key dependencies. With this enhancement, developers can now effortlessly showcase all items within the map, enhancing adaptability and efficiency in APL development.

Ensure software localizability with Pseudo localization (Alt: Optimize your localization testing with Pseudo Localization)

When adapting content for different languages, varying text lengths can disrupt layouts and readability, causing issues like truncation and overlapping. To address this, our new Pseudo Localization (PLn) feature allows developers to test software localizability without actual translations. PLn mimics new language space by controlled alterations to textual elements, avoiding the need for actual translations. For instance, it transforms an English phrase like "Children’s Privacy Disclosure" into "Ȧȧƈƈḗḗƞŧḗḗḓ Ḗḗƞɠŀīīşħ," readable to English-speaking developers. This 'accented English' helps test text expansion and other critical aspects. Pseudo Localization enables dynamic testing during development, uncovering real-time issues not apparent in pre-built content. Developers can quickly switch between pseudo-localized and base content, saving time and facilitating rapid issue resolution without a full build. Accessible Pseudo-localization settings simulate text expansion, transformation, and test localization context across all viewports. Integrated into the APL rendering library, APLCoreEngine, it ensures comprehensive coverage and easy access to Pseudo-localization settings. To enable Pseudo Localization in your APL documents, simply toggle the pseudoLocalize flag in the skill manifest. This initiates the Pseudo Localization transformation for all APL documents in your skill.

Debug APL documents with logging in the authoring tool

Introducing the new the  Log  command for developers to understand and isolate troublesome areas in your APL document. As a developer, you can now troubleshoot if a command is fired, verify the value of a parameter at runtime and thus better understand why interactions don’t work as expected or why events are not generated as expected. You can use the  Log  command in your APL document with log severity level and log message in addition to  common command properties  for better visibility on the execution of your APL document. To see the custom logs you added to the  Log  command, navigate to the  authoring tool   preview , that now includes a  log window . Use the log window to display logging messages sent with the  Log  command.  For details about defining log messages, see  Log Command . For details about using the log window, see  Debug a document with the log window .

Author APL documents easily with code snippets on VS Code

It has now got easier to author APL documents in VS Code Editor. The Alexa Skills (ASK) Toolkit for  Visual Studio Code (VS Code)  now includes APL commands and components as code snippets. Thus so developers can use auto-complete to finish their code.  The  Alexa Skills (ASK) Toolkit  for  Visual Studio Code (VS Code)  now supports now supports automatic completion of APL language constructs, including components and commands. The tool suggests APL properties as you type your APL document on VS Code Editor. This feature saves you time and effort by reducing the need to refer to APL tech documentation. With the intelligent suggestions, you can easily and accurately author your APL document without syntactical errors. Read more about the code snippets  here .

Getting Started with APL 2024.1

To begin building with APL 2024.1 features and ensure backward compatibility of your experience, please visit  work with APL versions . You may also check the version of APL supported on Amazon devices by following instructions here:  APL versions and Amazon device support . We have updated APL authoring tools and documentation to help you take advantage of new APL 2024.1 features so you can build new documents or add the new features to existing documents with Visual Studio Code with  ASK toolkit  or  APL Authoring tool . Our quick reference  APL Cheat Sheets guide and APL  technical documentation  have also been updated to include 2024.1 features. If you’re new to learning APL, start off  here . More info on versioning is available on our “ What’s New ” page.

Help us build better for you!

APL enhancements are made possible through your continued partnership and feedback. Please take a moment to tell us how we can better help you by providing feedback via our  developer survey . You can also continue learning about  APL features  in our  technical documentation . Please come find us and other multimodal developers on  Alexa Community Slack  or on  X  (  @smrudula ,  @pkarthikr ) if you need if you need assistance. 

Recommended Reading

3 questions with labinot bytyqi, ceo and founder of virtual healthcare delivery platform hellocare.ai, learn more about alexa smart properties, new developer tools to build llm-powered experiences with alexa.