DREIESKIVA​|Roald Kvam

Delivering an effective presentation requires more than just knowing your material—it’s about how you communicate, engage, and connect with your audience. Whether you aim to inspire, inform, or persuade, these seven tips will help you enhance your presentation skills and leave a lasting impact.

1. Master your voice

Your tone of voice is a crucial element in delivering a compelling presentation. If you sound nervous, speaking too loudly or too softly can diminish your credibility. Studies suggest that up to 80% of the impression you leave on your audience is influenced by how you say things rather than the content itself. A deep and steady voice at the beginning of your presentation conveys confidence and calmness. Practice speaking with controlled volume and tone, ensuring clarity and authority in your delivery.

2. Find your energy

A great presentation is fueled by energy. Engaging speakers bring enthusiasm, passion, and dynamism to their delivery. To activate your energy levels before speaking, consider playing music, singing out loud, or doing some light physical activity. It’s also important to understand where you derive your energy from. Extroverted individuals often draw energy from audience interaction, while introverts may feel more comfortable when speaking within their area of expertise.

Leverage your strengths to create an engaging and confident presence.

3. Prioritize your opening

Your opening sets the stage for the rest of your presentation. Even if you’ve managed to harness energy, nerves may still creep in. To counter this, practice and memorize your first two sentences thoroughly. Having a strong, well-rehearsed start helps you transition smoothly into the presentation and converts initial nervousness into positive momentum.

A well-crafted opening not only captures attention but also boosts your confidence.

4. Identify friendly faces in the audience

For many, nervousness peaks when standing in front of an audience. Instead of seeing a sea of strangers, find a few “friendly faces” in the crowd—people who appear engaged, supportive, and approachable. Establishing eye contact with them or even physically moving closer can create a sense of connection. When you foster this micro-dialogue, you shift from feeling isolated to having allies in the room, making the experience less intimidating.

5. Be Mindful of your stage presence

Your body language and movement significantly impact how your message is received. Utilize the space you have effectively, whether you’re in a small meeting room or a large auditorium. Avoid standing still in one place for too long, but also be mindful not to pace aimlessly. Use purposeful gestures, take deliberate pauses, and vary your tone to maintain engagement. When your movements align naturally with your speech, your presentation feels more authentic and compelling.

6. Identify and overcome blind spots

Blind spots are unconscious habits that can distract your audience and weaken your message. Common issues include speaking too fast, using excessive filler words (such as “um,” “uh,” or “like”), or making random, uncoordinated gestures. To address these, seek feedback from a trusted colleague or friend who can provide constructive criticism. Recording yourself and analyzing your own performance can also be eye-opening.

Working on your body language and overall presence helps reinforce your credibility and authority.

7. Be confident, be authentic

The most powerful presentations come from speakers who are genuine. Authenticity fosters trust, making it easier for the audience to connect with you. People respond to sincerity—if you truly believe in your message, your audience will too. Your unique style of communication is what makes you stand out, so embrace it rather than trying to emulate someone else.

The key to an effective presentation isn’t perfection—it’s relatability, passion, and sincerity.

When you align your words with your beliefs and personality, you create a compelling and memorable experience for your listeners.

---

Presentation skills are not reserved for a select few—they can be developed and refined by anyone. By mastering your voice, channeling energy, crafting a strong opening, engaging with the audience, using stage presence effectively, eliminating distractions, and embracing authenticity, you can transform your public speaking abilities. The next time you stand in front of an audience, apply these seven tips and watch your confidence and effectiveness soar.