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Present Like a Pro: 25 Ways to Elevate Your Skills in 2025
Effective presentation skills, whether for in-person or virtual settings, are essential for success—whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, student or team contributor. Here are 25 ways to elevate your skills:
1) Clarify Your Purpose: Know why you’re presenting and how it aligns with your strategy.
2) Deliver a Clear Message: Keep your content focused and ensure all stories and data support your core message.
3) Respect Time Limits: Finish on time—your audience will appreciate it.
4) Know Your Audience: Tailor your content to their needs and priorities.
5) Align Body Language: Ensure gestures, posture, and expressions match your message.
6) Smile to Connect: A genuine smile enhances warmth and engagement (unless you're delivering difficult news).
7) Practice Thoroughly: Especially for high-stakes presentations, practice more than you think you need.
8) Prioritize Key Sections: Focus on your opening, transitions, and closing if your practice time is limited.
9) Practice Out Loud: Silent review of your slides isn’t enough—speak as you will during the presentation.
10) Stay Present: Focus on your audience instead of worrying about mistakes.
11) Breathe Deeply: Calm your nerves and think clearly by taking steady breaths.
12) Avoid Filler Words: Speak in complete sentences and pause naturally instead of saying "um" or "ah."
13) Use Quality Slides: Favor visuals over text-heavy slides to engage your audience.
For Virtual Presentations:
14) Camera at Eye Level: Position your camera to create a natural connection with your audience.
15) Look at the Camera: Maintain "eye contact" with the audience by focusing on the camera instead of their video thumbnails.
16) Optimize Screen Layout: Move audience videos near the camera for easier interaction while still making eye contact with the audience.
17) Strategic Notes Placement: Use digital or physical Post-its at eye level for seamless reference.
18) Ensure Good Lighting: Use lighting from behind the camera to illuminate your face clearly.
19) Avoid Backlighting: Block window light behind you to avoid being silhouetted.
20) Minimize Glare on Glasses: Adjust lighting angles to reduce reflections.
21) Test Your Microphone: Ensure clear, crisp audio for better audience understanding.
In-Person Presentation Tips:
22) Use a Microphone: Amplify your voice for larger audiences or big rooms.
23) Leverage the Remote Control: Use the remote so you can move freely while advancing slides.
24) Face the Audience: If using slides, speak to your audience, not the screen.
Bonus:
25) Exude Confidence: Trust your preparation and deliver with self-confidence.
Until next time,
Gilda
gilda@gildabonanno.com
Copyright (c) 2025 Gilda Bonanno LLC All rights reserved. You may reprint this entire article - please include the copyright and the following: "Gilda Bonanno is a speaker, facilitator and consultant who helps people improve their communication and presentation skills. Read more articles or sign up for her n-newsletter at www.gildabonanno.com
*Image generated by AI
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