How to Give Better Presentations
Giving a presentation in your native language can be nerve-racking.
Giving one in English — to colleagues, clients, or senior leadership — adds a whole new layer of pressure.
I work with professionals who want to give better presentations, communicate clearly under pressure, and feel more confident when speaking in front of others — especially in English.
Whether you’re pitching an idea, presenting data, or giving a project update, the same principles apply. Here’s how to prepare, perform, and present with confidence — even if English isn’t your first language.
Need help with your presentation? Message me 💬 — I’ll help you get clear and confident.
1. Keep It Simple — Focus on the Message
The number one mistake I see? Trying to say too much. Before you start writing your slides or script, ask yourself:
What is the one main point I want them to remember?
What action or idea do I want to leave them with?
💡 Cut the rest. Your audience will remember clarity — not quantity.
2. Lead with the Point
Start strong. Don’t wait to “build up” to your main idea.
When presenting to senior managers or large audiences, always share your key message early. Then provide supporting information.
✅ Start with the “what”
✅ Then explain the “why” or “how”
🎯 Example: “Today I want to show you how our team improved delivery time by 18% in Q2 — and what we can do next.”
Lead with impact. The rest is detail.
3. Use Visuals That Support — Not Distract
A good visual can do more than 100 words ever could.
Use:
Charts to clarify data
Photos or icons to support your story
Slides to organize structure — not repeat your script
💡 Avoid overcrowded slides or text-heavy screens. Think clean, simple, and purposeful.
Don’t be afraid to get creative — visuals help people connect to your message.
✅ Want feedback on your next slide deck or script? Book a free consultation so we can review what you’ve got.
4. Learn Basic Design Principles
You don’t need to be a designer to create good slides — but you do need structure.
Follow these basic rules:
Use large, legible text
Keep one idea per slide
Use consistent colors and fonts
Leave white space — don’t overload
🎯 There are hundreds of free templates and guides online. Take time to learn what works — it makes a huge difference.
Good design helps you look more professional — and makes your audience actually want to listen.
5. Keep It Short and Engaging
Say less — and say it well.
✅ Keep your sections tight
✅ Switch between formats (voice, visuals, interaction)
✅ Avoid long monologues
💡 Remember: if people are just watching slides or listening to you talk for 20+ minutes, attention will drop fast.
Short + dynamic = better retention.
6. Create a Script — But Don’t Sound Like You’re Reading
If it helps, write out your presentation or use note cards — especially for complex topics.
But please: don’t read word-for-word. Instead:
Write in bullet points
Practice until you know your message by heart
Use key phrases to stay on track
🎯 Sounding natural is more powerful than sounding perfect.
Know your next presentation matters? Let’s prepare it together — and make it count.
7. Rehearse, Record, Repeat
This is where real improvement happens.
Run through your talk multiple times
Record yourself and listen for pace, tone, clarity
Watch your body language
Practice without looking at your notes
💡 Repetition builds fluency. Fluency builds confidence.
The more familiar your content feels, the more naturally you’ll speak.
8. Check Your Tech — Every Time
Whether online or in-person, always test your tools:
✅ Slides
✅ Video/audio
✅ Wi-Fi
✅ Screen sharing
✅ Any external links or media
🎯 Give yourself a tech run-through at least 30 minutes before the meeting or call.
Tech issues are common — but also, avoidable.
9. Get Support — Don’t Try to Do It All Alone
Presentation anxiety is real. But you don’t have to face it alone.
If you want to give better presentations, don’t just “hope it goes well.” Practice with someone who can guide you.
Work with:
A trusted colleague
A communication coach
A Business English teacher who understands your job and your goals
💡 Sometimes a few sessions of targeted feedback can transform the way you present — and how you feel doing it.
📩 Want to Give Better Presentations in English?
If you have an important presentation coming up — or you simply want to feel more confident and clear when speaking in front of others — I can help. In my 1:1 coaching sessions, we focus on:
✅ Structuring your message with clarity
✅ Practicing fluency and delivery in English
✅ Rehearsing your script or slides with real-time feedback
Whether you’re presenting to a client, your team, or a room full of decision-makers — the right preparation changes everything.
Let’s make sure your message lands.
💬 Need help preparing? Message me — I’ll guide you step by step.
✅ Ready to feel more confident? Book a free consultation and learn how I can help you improve.
You don’t need to be perfect. You need to feel prepared.
Let’s work on your presentation — together.
— Pierre Austin
