Displaying items by tag: presentation skills course

This week, I attended a presentation that really drove home one of the most common and costly mistakes we see at The Presenter Studio: a lack of structure. The speaker had interesting ideas and a clear passion for the subject, but they never quite got going. The talk drifted. There was no rhythm, no momentum, and no clear message. As an audience member, it was hard to stay engaged because we were all waiting for it to start making sense — and that moment never quite came.

When we work with clients, we always talk about structure being the backbone of a great presentation. It gives your content shape. It guides your audience through the story. And, crucially, it respects their time and attention.

One of the first things to think about is your opening. A lot of people take far too long to get started. They spend precious minutes introducing themselves, explaining what’s coming, or thanking people. But in today’s world, people want to get into the content quickly. If you think about any good TV show, it doesn’t meander at the top. It hooks you straight away. It draws you in with something interesting, then gets on with the story, the competition, or the drama.

Your presentation should do the same. A snappy, focused intro can set the tone and establish your authority. But it should be just that — a start, not the main event.

From there, your structure should take your audience on a clear journey. This might sound simple, but it’s something a lot of people forget. Without a roadmap, even the best content can feel confusing or disjointed. Structure creates flow. It helps people follow your ideas and understand how each part of your talk connects to the next.

It also helps you manage time. One of the biggest signs a presentation lacks structure is when it overruns or ends in a rush. Structure gives you natural time markers. It tells you when to move on, where your turning points are, and how to land a clear, memorable ending.

Another benefit of structure is that it allows you to lead rather than list. Presentations can easily become a series of bullet points or facts. But people don’t want information dumped on them. They want to be guided. Structure lets you build a case, tell a story, or deliver a message in a way that’s easy to absorb and enjoyable to follow.

So next time you’re preparing a presentation, ask yourself:

Am I starting strong?
Is there a clear flow to the content?
Does each section serve a purpose?
Am I keeping to time?
And most importantly — am I leading the audience through an experience?

If you’re unsure, it might be time to rethink how you structure your talk. Because when the structure is strong, everything else falls into place.

If you want help creating structured, confident, and compelling presentations, take a look at our presentation skills training. You’ll find more information at https://www.presenterstudio.com/business-presenter-training/presentation-skills-training.

The Presentation That Went Wrong — And Why It’s Worth Talking About

Yesterday, I sat through a presentation that was a good reminder of the mistakes people make. We’ve all been there - hoping to be inspired or at least informed, but instead finding ourselves distracted, disengaged, and looking at the clock.

But as frustrating as those moments are, they also offer something incredibly valuable: perspective. It was a reminder of how quickly a presentation can go off track - and how easily the audience’s attention can slip away - when you forget the basics.

At The Presenter Studio, we always say the fundamentals are everything. No matter how great your content is, or how beautiful your slides look, without the three fundamentals - Passion, Eye Contact, and First Impressions - your presentation is going to fall flat.

Here’s what happened yesterday, and how it reaffirmed just why we focus on these three pillars in every presentation skills course we deliver.

1. Passion — Because People Feel More Than They Listen

From the first minute of the talk, it was clear something was missing. The speaker walked on stage and began reading directly from their phone - eyes down, voice monotone, no connection to the room. It felt like they were going through the motions, not sharing something they cared about.

That’s the problem with passion - or the lack of it. When a speaker isn’t engaged, it’s almost impossible for the audience to engage either. Passion isn’t just about volume or excitement - it’s about authenticity. It’s about showing your audience that this matters to you. That you believe in what you’re saying.

In our presentation skills course, we spend time helping people connect to their why. Why does this topic matter to you? What excites you about it? And more importantly - how do you communicate that excitement so your audience feels it too?

People want to be inspired, not just informed. If you’re passionate, they’ll be curious. If you’re not, they’ll tune out.

2. Eye Contact - The Easiest Way to Build Connection

Next came the second missed opportunity: eye contact.

Throughout the presentation, the speaker barely looked up. Eyes were glued to their screen. If they did glance at the audience, it was fleeting — just long enough to lose their place and return to their phone. And that, right there, is the moment you lose trust.

When you’re presenting, you’re not delivering a script - you’re having a conversation. And just like in any good conversation, eye contact is what builds trust, connection, and attention. Without it, your audience feels like you’re not really speaking to them - just speaking at them.

It’s one of the most common challenges we help people overcome in our presentation skills courses. Nervous presenters often avoid looking at the audience altogether - which is understandable. After all, it can be off-putting if people seem disinterested, or are checking their phones or taking notes.

But the truth is, eye contact is one of the fastest ways to pull people back in. Look at them - and they’ll look back. Engage them - and they’ll engage you.

We teach simple techniques for building natural, confident eye contact, so that your delivery feels more like a conversation than a performance.

3. First Impressions - Set the Tone or Risk Losing the Room

Finally, let’s talk about what might have been the biggest issue of all: the opening.

The presentation started late - almost 20 minutes behind schedule. No explanation, no sense of urgency. Just a slow trickle into a talk that lacked any kind of spark or direction. The energy was low. The pace was slow. The opening meandered without making a clear point.

And in those first five minutes, you could feel the audience switch off.

This is something we can’t stress enough: First impressions matter. A lot.

In our presentation skills course, we focus heavily on crafting strong openings - because we know how vital they are. Whether it’s a keynote speech, a boardroom pitch, or a virtual webinar, your opening is your first and best chance to hook your audience.

Start with a story. Ask a provocative question. Set the agenda with purpose and clarity. Show them why this is worth listening to.

When you don’t, you give people permission to disengage. They’ll check their phones. They’ll stop listening. And once you’ve lost them, it’s incredibly hard to win them back.

The Takeaway: Get the Basics Right, and the Rest Will Follow

It’s easy to overcomplicate public speaking. Fancy slides, big words, dramatic pauses - they all have their place. But without the fundamentals - Passion, Eye Contact, and First Impressions - none of it really works.

What I saw yesterday reminded me of why we do what we do at The Presenter Studio. Our presentation skills course is designed not just to teach you how to present, but how to truly connect with your audience, own the room, and feel confident doing it.

Whether you're a business leader, a creative professional, or someone who just wants to feel more confident speaking in front of others, the fundamentals are the same — and we can help you master them.

Want to Present Like a Pro?

If you’re ready to elevate your communication and presentation skills, join one of our presentation skills courses today. Whether it's online or in-person, private coaching or group training, we’ll help you find your voice, own your story, and deliver with impact.

Because when the basics are strong, everything changes.

For more information on our presentation skills courses visit: https://www.presenterstudio.com/business-presenter-training/presentation-skills-training

Why Every Professional Should Take a Presentation Skills Course

Strong presentation skills are no longer a nice-to-have—they're essential in today's competitive job market. Whether you’re pitching to clients, delivering team updates, or leading a workshop, the ability to present clearly and confidently can set you apart.

A presentation skills course gives you the tools to speak with authority and authenticity. You’ll learn how to build persuasive arguments, craft stories that connect with your audience, and deliver your message with confidence.

More than that, it builds your presence. Great presenters are memorable because they’re not just speaking—they’re performing. In our presentation skills courses, we teach you how to own the room, read the audience, and make a lasting impression.

Public speaking is also one of the top fears people have. But like any skill, it improves with the right guidance and practice. A good course provides a safe space to overcome anxiety and develop new strengths.

If you're aiming for career progression, leadership roles, or simply want to boost your communication skills, investing in a presentation skills course is one of the smartest professional moves you can make.

To find out more about how we can help you visit https://www.presenterstudio.com/business-presenter-training/presentation-skills-training or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

5 Essential Skills You’ll Learn in a Presentation Skills Course

Enrolling in a presentation skills course can be a transformative experience. Whether you’re a business leader, manager, or new graduate, mastering these core skills will elevate your ability to communicate effectively.

One of the first skills you'll develop is structuring your presentation. You’ll learn how to open strong, deliver key messages with clarity, and end with a powerful conclusion that resonates with your audience.

Next, delivery techniques are key. A good course will train you in how to use your voice, gestures, and facial expressions to enhance your message. These techniques are what transform a dull talk into a memorable performance.

You'll also build confidence in managing nerves. Through guided practice and feedback, you'll learn techniques such as breath control and visualisation to stay calm under pressure.

A presentation skills course also teaches how to engage an audience. This includes the use of storytelling, rhetorical questions, and audience interaction to maintain attention.

Finally, you’ll gain the ability to adapt. From boardrooms to conferences, you'll learn how to tailor your delivery to suit different settings and audiences.

Each of these skills is covered in-depth in our presentation skills courses, ensuring you're ready for any speaking challenge.

To find out more about how we can help you visit https://www.presenterstudio.com/business-presenter-training/presentation-skills-training or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

How to Choose the Right Presentation Skills Course for Your Needs

Finding the right presentation skills course can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available online and in-person. Whether you're looking to overcome your fear of public speaking or want to polish your delivery for professional settings, choosing the right course is key to your development.

First, consider your goals. Are you preparing for business presentations, keynote speeches, or client pitches? Look for a course that specifically mentions training for those situations. For instance, our presentation skills courses are tailored to real-world professional scenarios, which means you'll learn practical skills that you can apply immediately.

Another factor is the teaching style. A good course blends theory with plenty of practice. You should expect coaching on structure, storytelling, body language, and vocal delivery. The best courses provide personalised feedback, which is crucial for improvement.

Also, check who delivers the course. Are the trainers industry professionals? Our coaches come from a media background, offering insider insight into how to present with impact and authenticity.

Finally, reviews and testimonials can tell you a lot. Look for courses that are consistently praised for building confidence, clarity, and communication skills.

By identifying your goals and choosing a well-reviewed, professionally-led course with practical experience, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a more confident speaker.

To find out more about how we can help you visit https://www.presenterstudio.com/business-presenter-training/presentation-skills-training or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

There’s a misconception that great presenters just “wing it.” They step up, charm the crowd, speak from the heart, and the words just flow. But here’s a secret that every seasoned speaker knows: the real magic starts long before you get on stage — and it starts with the script.

A strong script is more than just a set of bullet points. It’s the architecture of your presentation. It shapes the journey your audience goes on, and it gives you the clarity and confidence to deliver your message with purpose.

At The Presenter Studio, we spend a lot of time teaching scriptwriting in our Presentation Skills Course. Because no matter how confident or charismatic you are, without well-structured content, your message will fall flat.

Here’s what makes a script great — and how you can start building one:

1. Start with your core message – What’s the one thing you want your audience to remember? A strong script is built around a central idea that everything else supports. If your audience forgets everything else, what should they walk away with?
2. Structure is everything – Think of your script like a story: beginning, middle, end. Open with a hook, move into key ideas or points, and close with impact. Without structure, you risk rambling or losing your audience along the way.
3. Write for the ear, not the eye – Presentations are heard, not read. Your script should sound like speech, not an essay. Short sentences. Clear transitions. Rhythm and flow. Read it out loud — does it sound like something you’d say?
4. Include emotional beats – People don’t remember facts; they remember how you made them feel. Don’t just list data — tell the story behind it. Share a personal example. Ask a thought-provoking question. Use language that resonates.
5. Edit ruthlessly – Great scripts aren’t written. They’re rewritten. Cut the fluff. Simplify complex ideas. Tighten up your transitions. Every word should earn its place.
6. Rehearse like you mean it – Once your script is solid, practice until it’s second nature. You don’t have to memorise every word, but knowing your flow inside out gives you the freedom to be present with your audience.

In our Presentation Skills Course, we teach people how to go from a blank page to a confident, compelling delivery. Whether you’re pitching, presenting, or leading, your script is your foundation.

When you invest time in crafting your content, you free yourself up to focus on what really matters — connecting with your audience and delivering with confidence.

For more information on our presentation skills courses visit https://www.presenterstudio.com/business-presenter-training/presentation-skills-training 

If there’s one thing we hear all the time, it’s this: “I just don’t feel like myself when I present.” And we get it. You’re told to stand a certain way, use formal language, smile at the right time, avoid filler words. Before long, you're not presenting — you’re performing someone else’s version of what a “good speaker” looks like.

That’s why one of the biggest goals of our Presentation Skills Course is helping people find — and own — their natural voice. Because your most powerful tool as a presenter isn’t your slides or your script. It’s your authenticity.

Finding your own voice means presenting in a way that feels natural, relaxed, and real. It doesn’t mean being casual or unprepared. It means sounding like you at your best — confident, clear, and connected.

Here are some ways to develop your own presentation style:

1. Ditch the default mode – Stop mimicking TED Talks, corporate lingo, or what you think “professional” should sound like. Start with how you naturally speak in a conversation. If you wouldn’t say it in real life, it probably doesn’t belong in your presentation.
2. Know your audience, but stay true to yourself – Adapt your tone, yes. But don’t shift your personality entirely. You can be warm and human while still sounding credible and smart.
3. Play to your strengths – Are you funny? Thoughtful? Great at storytelling? Lean into those. You don’t have to be high energy if you’re more reflective by nature. The best presenters don’t imitate — they elevate their own strengths.
4. Practice out loud – This is a game-changer. When you write a script and never say it aloud, you miss the rhythm and flow of how you actually speak. Practice as you’d perform, and make adjustments to sound more conversational.
5. Record and review – It’s awkward at first, but watching yourself back is a powerful way to spot what feels forced or unnatural. Look for moments where your energy drops or your expression stiffens. Then tweak.

In our Presentation Skills Course, we help people bring their voice to life — whether that’s in boardrooms, on stage, or in front of a camera. We strip away the jargon and performance masks to get to what really resonates: you being you.

When you find your voice, you stop “presenting” and start connecting. And that’s when your message really lands.

For more information on our presentation skills courses visit https://www.presenterstudio.com/business-presenter-training/presentation-skills-training 

5 Common Presentation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Avoid these common presentation mistakes and improve your public speaking skills with expert tips. Learn how to engage your audience and deliver impactful presentations.

Introduction

Even experienced speakers can fall into common pitfalls when presenting. Identifying and correcting these mistakes will help you become a more confident and engaging speaker.

The Top 5 Presentation Mistakes

A lack of preparation can lead to uncertainty and hesitation during a presentation. Researching your topic and practicing extensively will help you feel more confident. Overloading slides with text makes it difficult for the audience to follow along. Using bullet points, images, and minimal text creates a more engaging experience. Speaking in a monotone voice can cause the audience to lose interest. Varying your tone and pace will maintain engagement. Ignoring audience interaction results in a disengaged audience. Asking questions, encouraging participation, and making eye contact help keep listeners involved. Poor body language can make a speaker appear nervous. Standing confidently, using gestures naturally, and avoiding fidgeting can improve your presence.

Conclusion

Improving your presentation skills requires awareness and practice. Sign up for our presentation skills training at www.presenterstudio.com to elevate your speaking abilities.  Contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out more about how we work.  

The Ultimate Guide to Presentation Skills Training

Strong presentation skills can set you apart in any professional setting. Whether you're delivering a pitch, leading a meeting, or speaking at an event, knowing how to communicate effectively is crucial. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about presentation skills training.

Why Presentation Skills Matter

Presentation skills enhance your professional credibility, increase audience engagement, and help you communicate your ideas effectively.

Key Elements of Effective Presentations

Preparation is essential. Research your topic, structure your content, and practice before delivering your presentation. Body language plays a crucial role in engagement. Maintaining eye contact, using open gestures, and standing confidently can make a significant impact. Voice control is another important aspect. Varying your tone, pace, and volume can help you keep your audience engaged. Audience engagement is key to a successful presentation. Incorporating storytelling, asking questions, and using visuals can make your message more compelling.

How to Improve Your Presentation Skills

Taking a presentation skills training course can provide valuable techniques and feedback. Practicing with a mentor or coach allows you to refine your delivery. Recording yourself and analysing your performance helps identify areas for improvement.

Conclusion

Investing in presentation skills training will boost your confidence and effectiveness. Ready to improve? Explore our expert training programs at www.presenterstudio.com

Presentation Skills Course - The Magic of Eye Contact

Eye contact is one of the most powerful tools a presenter can use. Whether you’re speaking on stage, in a meeting at work, or delivering a virtual presentation, mastering eye contact helps you engage your audience, build trust, and convey confidence. In this article, we’ll explore why eye contact matters and share essential tips for different presentation settings.

Why Eye Contact is Essential

Engages Your Audience – When you make eye contact, you create a personal connection with your listeners, making them feel included and valued.

Conveys Confidence – Steady eye contact shows that you believe in what you’re saying, helping to establish credibility.

Enhances Communication – Eye contact reinforces your message and makes it easier for your audience to understand and absorb your words.

Keeps Attention – People are naturally drawn to speakers who look at them, helping maintain focus and interest.

Eye Contact Tips for Different Presentation Settings

1. Online Presenting

With virtual meetings and webinars becoming the norm, maintaining effective eye contact online requires a different approach. Look at the Camera – Instead of looking at your screen, direct your gaze at the camera lens to simulate eye contact. Position Your Camera Correctly – Ensure your camera is at eye level to create a natural and engaging presence. Use Gestures and Facial Expressions – Since virtual audiences can’t see your full body language, expressive facial cues can help reinforce your message. Engage with Your Audience – Ask questions, pause for responses, and acknowledge comments to make your presentation interactive.

2. Presenting on Stage

When speaking to a large audience, eye contact can create a powerful connection with your listeners. Scan the Room – Don’t fixate on one person; instead, move your gaze across different sections of the audience. Hold Eye Contact for a Few Seconds – Engage with individuals for a moment before moving to the next person, making it feel natural and personal. Avoid Reading from Slides – Maintain eye contact with your audience instead of constantly looking at your notes or presentation materials. Use the ‘Triangle Technique’ – Focus on three key areas of the room—left, center, and right—to ensure everyone feels included.

3. Presenting at Work

In workplace settings, eye contact can help you command attention and exude professionalism. Make Direct Eye Contact When Speaking – This shows confidence and ensures your message is heard. Balance Eye Contact When Listening – Nodding occasionally while maintaining eye contact demonstrates active listening. Be Mindful of Cultural Differences – In some cultures, prolonged eye contact can be considered aggressive, so adjust accordingly. Avoid Staring – Natural, intermittent eye contact is key; staring can feel uncomfortable and intimidating.

Final Thoughts

Great eye contact can transform your presentations, making them more engaging, credible, and impactful. Whether you’re presenting online, on stage, or at work, using these techniques will help you connect with your audience and deliver your message with confidence.

Looking to enhance your presentation skills further? Check out our Presentation Skills Training course to master the art of communication!