3-part “Toolkit” to prepare and deliver a spectacular presentation | Public Speaking Essentials (Part 3)

2 of 6 quick to-do elements to significantly enhance your presentation; extroverts may find this preparatory toolkit good-to-have, but introverts will find this VITAL:

5. Perfect Practice Makes Perfect

It’s practically a given to practice. I know, you must be screaming in your head “THANK YOU FOR THE BREAKTHROUGH IDEA! *eyes rolled*”. Everyone is aware of the advantages of practicing your script through rehearsals—preventing mental blocks since you are accustomed to the presentation flow, increased assurance and self-confidence. Yes, we are aware of that. How to go about it effectively is the key question.

Using mental cues like diagrams or subheadings to aid in memorization will greatly improve internalization of the presentation. For instance, you see a graph that shows the juxtaposition of two line/ bar plots. It jolts your mind – “Compare”, which leds to “2024 vs 2025 performance”, “Oh right, sales performance year-on-year!”.

To further strengthen the familiarization of the presentation – juggling the cues and presenting based on random cues after several practices will significantly improve internalization of the material!

For more tips, watch our YouTube video on “Should I Use A Script While Presenting?”

For example: Example: Rehearse a presentation on workplace productivity using a slideshow with key diagrams. After becoming comfortable with the flow, try rehearsing without the slides. Use only index cards with keywords like “Time Blocks,” “Deep Work,” and “Pomodoro Technique.” Randomize the cards during later rehearsals and deliver your talk based on this shuffled order. This technique ensures you fully internalize the material, reducing dependence on external aids.

6. Portray Calmness and Poise

The last-minute gulp of alcohol, or “liquid courage,” is not advised despite its much-lauded efficacy haha. Approach the stage or the front of the room, set up your laptop, look up, take in the atmosphere, and smile before you say a word. As you say, “Hello everyone!” spread your arms, chest up and out (imagine a hook pulling your chest outwards) in a welcoming manner – a high power pose like this is always effective in portraying openness and readiness.

Potential hiccups that may adversely affect your composure (beware!):

Think Fast & Speak Spontaneously, How To Speak With Haters (Tough Talks) – Click to Watch the tips on YouTube!
Mental Block!? Here’s How You Can STILL IMPRESS When Your Mind Goes Blank – Click to Watch the tips on YouTube!

For example: Example: Before presenting at a local community event, take a deep breath as you walk to the podium. Set up your materials deliberately, avoiding any rushed movements. Then, smile warmly before you utter a word. Ditch the pause filler “Erm…hel…”. Only then you say: “Good evening, everyone. It’s wonderful to see so many of you here tonight!”, with the high power pose extended. This small pause and inviting gesture exudes confidence and approachability, immediately putting both you and your audience at ease.