Our Benelux team gathered in Breda for a training day devoted to presentation skills. The focus was on the foundations of a good presentation: what helps a speaker bring a story to life and connect with the people listening?
Our coaches, Roel Fooy and Vastert van Aardenne, described four building blocks: authenticity, clarity, integrity and love. The last might sound unusual in a professional setting, but the point was to put feeling into the story. A speaker needs to care about what they are saying and help others see why it matters.
Learn by presenting, listening and trying again
The day began with a physical and vocal warm-up. We then split into two groups, and everyone gave a short presentation on a subject of their choice. Coaches and colleagues offered feedback.
By returning to the same story and adjusting it in response to that feedback, we could see how small changes affected the result. A different expression, a pause or an emphasis on a particular word could change the way the message came across.
Those differences matter whether you are pitching to a few people across a table or addressing a larger audience in a room. The aim is to make it easier for people to follow and engage with the story. Three lessons stood out.
1. Be authentic
Preparation is essential, but the audience also needs to see the person behind the presentation. The story should feel consistent with the speaker and offer listeners a reason to care.
Show your interest in the subject through enthusiasm, curiosity and a clear explanation. Technical language alone does not demonstrate passion or expertise. Bring people into your story by explaining what you find important, surprising or useful.
For a technology PR agency, that is a familiar challenge: specialist knowledge needs to become understandable and relevant to the audience.
2. Give yourself time to settle
Many PR professionals recognise the last-minute rush to improve a pitch presentation. A final adjustment can be useful, but taking a few quiet minutes before speaking can help too.
Breathe, gather your thoughts and begin at a pace the audience can follow. A calmer delivery makes it less likely that people will feel rushed through the material.
Use pauses and changes in emphasis to give the story shape. That helps avoid a monotonous delivery and gives important points room to land.
3. Make real contact
It sounds obvious, yet speakers often spend too much time looking at the screen or addressing only a few people. Others in the room can then feel excluded from the conversation.
With a larger audience, look towards the back and across different parts of the room. You do not need to make individual eye contact with every person to make the presentation feel inclusive.
Think of the presentation as something you are sharing with people, rather than a set of slides you need to get through. Their understanding is the purpose of the exercise.
Turn a good story into a strong presentation
Having something worthwhile to say is one part of the work. Delivering it clearly takes practice and feedback.
Would you like to develop your presentation skills or prepare for a media appearance? Our media training can help you explain your message with greater confidence. Contact Progress Communications to discuss the situation you are preparing for.
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