5 Steps to Improve Your Next Business Presentation

March 15, 2016

Mimi Bliss

Executive presentation skills coach

Prepare with a question, not a slide deck. When you prepare, ask yourself “What’s really important?” Develop an outline with key points and stories before you create PowerPoint slides. The result will be simpler slides and a more focused presentation.

Connect with your audience. It’s about them, not you. Explain how your presentation topic relates to your audience. Provide information that solves a problem or concern facing your audience.

Eliminate minimizing language. Fillers such as “I’m going to talk a little bit about….” Or “I’ll just take a brief moment” minimize the importance of what you’re saying. My experience is that speakers can eliminate these phrases once they’re aware of the problem.

Stand with weight distributed evenly on both feet. You’ll appear more confident and credible. You’ll find it easier to use your hands effectively when you stand on a solid foundation.

Use your voice to emphasize what’s important. If you’re saying something important, then it’s worth pausing and speaking with greater energy. You don’t have to speak louder, but with a greater sense or urgency. Using your voice effectively will cause your audience to listen more closely. 

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