presentation in communication

Presentation Skills in Communication

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In today’s fast-paced world, Presentation Skills in Communication are more crucial than ever. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the art of presenting, offering valuable insights and practical advice to enhance your skills. From mastering body language to crafting compelling content, we cover it all with real-world Communication Examples . Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or just starting out, these tips and strategies will elevate your presentation capabilities, making every word count in your journey towards effective communication.

What are Presentation Skills in Communication?

Presentation Skills in Communication refer to the ability to convey information to an audience effectively and engagingly. These skills encompass a range of competencies including clear articulation, confident body language, engaging storytelling, and the use of visual aids. Effective presentation skills are crucial for successfully transmitting ideas and persuading or informing others, making them a valuable asset in various settings from business meetings to educational lectures.

What is the Best Example of Presentation Skills in Communication?

A prime example of Presentation Skills in Communication can be seen in a TED Talk format. TED speakers typically exhibit exceptional presentation skills by delivering complex ideas in an accessible, engaging, and concise manner. They utilize storytelling, clear visuals, and strong personal presence to connect with their audience, making their presentations memorable and impactful. This format illustrates how effective communication can transform a simple speech into an influential and inspiring message.

30 Presentation Skills in Communication

In the realm of Presentation Skills in Communication , a diverse set of abilities come into play. This guide highlights 30 essential skills, each accompanied by a unique and practical example. From storytelling to effective use of technology, these skills are designed to enhance your presentations, making them more engaging and impactful. Whether you’re addressing a boardroom or a classroom, mastering these skills will elevate your communication effectiveness.

• Clear Articulation : Speaking clearly ensures your message is understood. Example : “Today, I’ll explain our strategy, focusing on clear, actionable steps.”
• Confident Body Language : Non-verbal cues like posture communicate confidence. Example : Standing tall, “Our team’s results speak to our hard work and dedication.”
• Engaging Storytelling : Stories make your presentation memorable. Example : “Let me share a story that illustrates our project’s potential impact.”
• Effective Use of Visuals : Visual aids can clarify complex information. Example : Presenting a graph, “As shown here, our growth has been consistent.”
• Appropriate Humor : Light humor can make your presentation more relatable. Example : “Unlike my attempt at baking, this strategy is proven to succeed!”
• Audience Interaction : Engaging the audience keeps them interested. Example : “I’d like to ask, what are your thoughts on this approach?”
• Use of Analogies : Analogies help explain complex concepts. Example : “Think of our marketing strategy like gardening – it requires nurturing.”
• Persuasive Language : Persuasive words can influence and motivate. Example : “I strongly believe this plan will lead us to success.”
• Clear Structure : A well-structured talk is easier to follow. Example : “First, I’ll outline the problem, then present our solution.”
• Vocal Variety : Changing tone keeps the audience engaged. Example : Shifting tone, “Now, let’s delve into the most exciting part!”
• Emotional Appeal : Connecting emotionally can be powerful. Example : “Imagine how this success could change our everyday lives.”
• Relevant Examples : Using relevant cases makes your point clearer. Example : “For instance, similar tactics doubled our competitor’s growth.”
• Concise Language : Being concise makes your message more impactful. Example : “In essence, our goal is to innovate swiftly and smartly.”
• Eye Contact : Eye contact creates a personal connection. Example : Looking around, “I see we all share a vision for success.”
• Interactive Technology : Technology like polls can increase engagement. Example : “Let’s take a quick poll to see your opinions.”
• Pausing for Effect : Strategic pauses can emphasize important points. Example : Pausing, “And here’s the key takeaway…”
• Factual Data : Including data validates your arguments. Example : “Data shows a 30% improvement in efficiency.”
• Question Handling : Skillfully addressing questions shows expertise. Example : “That’s a great question. Let me clarify that point.”
• Time Management : Keeping within time limits shows respect. Example : “I’ll cover this in the next five minutes.”
• Tailoring Content : Customize your talk for the audience. Example : “For our sales team here, this means direct benefits.”
• Feedback Incorporation : Utilize feedback for continuous improvement. Example : “Based on your feedback, I’ve adjusted our strategy.”
• Respectful Language : Being respectful fosters a positive environment. Example : “I value everyone’s contributions to this discussion.”
• Empathy in Delivery : Showing understanding builds rapport. Example : “I understand this change may be challenging.”
• Inspirational Messaging : Inspiring your audience can be motivating. Example : “Together, we can achieve these ambitious goals.”
• Cultural Sensitivity : Being culturally aware avoids misunderstandings. Example : “I’ve tailored this presentation to respect all viewpoints.”
• Active Listening : Demonstrating active listening encourages dialogue. Example : Nodding, “I hear your concerns and will address them.”
• Use of Metaphors : Metaphors can make concepts more relatable. Example : “Navigating this market is like sailing in uncharted waters.”
• Demonstrating Enthusiasm : Enthusiasm about your topic is infectious. Example : Energetically, “I’m excited about the possibilities here!”
• Handling Nervousness : Managing nerves keeps you focused. Example : Taking a breath, “Let’s dive into the exciting part!”
• Closing with a Call to Action : Ending with a call to action is impactful. Example : “Let’s take these ideas and turn them into action!”

What Are Effective Presentation Skills in Communication

In the realm of Communication Skills , effective presentation skills stand out as key components for successful interactions. Whether it’s a formal business meeting or an informal group discussion, these skills are crucial for conveying your message clearly and convincingly.

• Clarity of Speech : Articulating your words clearly makes your message more understandable.
• Confident Body Language : Using positive body language enhances your message’s impact.
• Audience Engagement : Actively involving your audience keeps them interested and responsive.
• Use of Visual Aids : Incorporating visual elements can help clarify and emphasize points.
• Storytelling Ability : Telling relevant stories can make your presentation more engaging and memorable.
• Appropriate Tone : Modulating your voice tone to suit the content and audience is key.
• Effective Time Management : Sticking to allotted time shows respect for your audience’s schedule.
• Feedback Reception : Being open to feedback allows for continual improvement of your presentation skills.
• Adaptability : Adjusting your presentation style according to audience reactions is essential.
• Consistent Practice : Regular practice refines and enhances your Presentation Skills in Communication .

Importance of Presentation Skills in Communication

Understanding the Importance of Presentation Skills in Communication is vital for anyone looking to influence, educate, or inform an audience. These skills are not just about speaking well but about effectively transmitting your message to your audience.

• Enhances Persuasiveness : Strong presentation skills can make your arguments more convincing.
• Boosts Professional Image : Effective presentations enhance your professional credibility.
• Facilitates Clear Communication : Good presentation skills ensure your message is understood clearly.
• Improves Audience Engagement : Engaging presentations hold the audience’s attention better.
• Aids in Career Advancement : Effective presentation skills are often linked to career success.
• Increases Confidence : Mastering presentation skills can significantly boost your self-confidence.
• Supports Leadership Roles : Leaders benefit greatly from effective presentation abilities.
• Enhances Educational Experiences : Teachers with good presentation skills can impart knowledge more effectively.
• Facilitates Better Decision Making : Clear presentations help audiences make informed decisions.
• Improves Networking Opportunities : Effective presenters are often seen as valuable networkers.

Techniques for Presentation Skills in Communication

To excel in Presentation Skills in Communication , it’s important to understand and apply various techniques. These methods range from how you prepare your content to the way you deliver it.

• Developing a Strong Opening : Start with a statement or question that grabs attention.
• Using the Rule of Three : Structure your presentation in three main points for clarity.
• Incorporating Storytelling : Use stories to make your presentation more relatable.
• Utilizing Pauses : Use pauses for emphasis and to give the audience time to digest information.
• Employing Visuals Effectively : Choose visuals that complement and clarify your verbal message.
• Practicing Vocal Variety : Vary your pitch, pace, and tone to maintain interest.
• Engaging the Audience : Ask questions or involve the audience in activities.
• Handling Questions Skillfully : Prepare for and welcome audience questions.
• Closing with Impact : End with a summary or call to action that leaves a lasting impression.
• Continual Learning and Adaptation : Stay updated with new presentation techniques and trends.

Role of Presentation Skills in Communication

The Role of Presentation Skills in Communication is multifaceted, impacting various aspects of personal and professional life. These skills are not just about speaking; they’re about effectively connecting with your audience.

• Facilitating Information Transfer : Effective presentation skills help in transferring information clearly.
• Building Rapport with Audience : Good presentation skills help in establishing a connection with the audience.
• Influencing Decision Making : A well-presented argument can influence the audience’s decisions.
• Enhancing Professional Relationships : Effective presentations can strengthen professional connections and partnerships.
• Supporting Educational Goals : In education, clear presentations aid in better learning.
• Boosting Sales and Marketing Efforts : In sales, persuasive presentations can lead to better results.
• Aiding in Conflict Resolution : Clear, empathetic presentations can help in resolving misunderstandings.
• Encouraging Team Collaboration : Presentations can foster teamwork and collaboration.
• Facilitating Change Management : Effective presentations are key in communicating changes in organizations.
• Promoting Personal Branding : Strong presentation skills can enhance your personal brand.

How to Improve Your Presentation Skills in Communication

How to Improve Your Presentation Skills in Communication is a question many professionals seek to answer. Improvement requires both understanding the fundamentals and practicing regularly.

• Seek Constructive Feedback : Regularly ask for feedback and take it constructively.
• Practice Regularly : Frequent practice helps to refine and improve your presentation skills.
• Attend Workshops and Seminars : Learning from experts can provide new insights and techniques.
• Watch and Analyze Effective Presenters : Study how skilled presenters engage their audience.
• Work on Non-Verbal Communication : Improve your body language, eye contact, and gestures.
• Focus on Audience Needs : Tailor your presentation to meet the specific needs of your audience.
• Enhance Storytelling Skills : Learn how to use stories to make your presentations more engaging.
• Improve Visual Design Skills : Develop skills in creating effective and appealing visual aids.
• Learn to Manage Anxiety : Find techniques to manage nervousness and present confidently.
• Stay Updated with Latest Trends : Keep abreast of the latest trends and technologies in presenting.

Tips for Presentation Skills in Communication

Mastering Presentation Skills in Communication is an ongoing journey. Here are some practical tips to help you enhance your presentation abilities, making your communication more effective and impactful.

• Start and End Strong : Your opening and closing should be memorable and impactful.
• Know Your Audience : Tailor your content and style to suit your audience’s preferences.
• Simplify Complex Ideas : Break down complex concepts into simple, understandable elements.
• Use Visual Aids Wisely : Ensure your visual aids support and do not distract from your message.
• Rehearse Thoroughly : Practice your presentation multiple times before the actual event.
• Be Prepared for Technical Issues : Have a backup plan in case of technical difficulties.
• Use Humor Appropriately : Humor can be effective if used appropriately and sparingly.
• Engage Through Questions : Involve your audience by asking and answering questions.
• Be Authentic : Authenticity helps in building trust with your audience.
• Focus on Continuous Improvement : Always look for ways to improve your presentation skills.

Mastering Presentation Skills in Communication is essential for effective and impactful communication. This guide has provided insights, techniques, and tips to enhance these skills. Whether it’s for professional growth or personal development, improving presentation skills can significantly influence your ability to communicate and connect with audiences. Embrace these practices for a more confident and persuasive communication style.

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What Are Effective Presentation Skills (and How to Improve Them)

Presentation skills are essential for your personal and professional life. Learn about effective presentations and how to boost your presenting techniques.

According to a 2022 study in the Journal of Economics, Management and Informatics, presentation skills are more important than ever for a career in business [ 1 ], and they're critical in a diverse range of other jobs. For example, you might need to brief your supervisor on research results. 

Presentation skills are also essential in other scenarios, including working with a team and explaining your thought process, walking clients through project ideas and timelines, and highlighting your strengths and achievements to your manager during performance reviews.

Whatever the scenario, it's important to get your point across quickly when presenting information as people lose focus after about 47 seconds, according to Gloria Mark, Professor Emerita of Informatics at UC Irvine [ 2 ]. Effective presentation skills help you get your point across and connect with the people you’re communicating with, which is why nearly every employer requires them.

Knowing about presentation skills and honing your presenting techniques proves essential for mastering presentations of all kinds and in all settings.

What are presentation skills?

Presentation skills are the abilities and qualities necessary for creating and delivering a compelling presentation that effectively communicates information and ideas. They encompass what you say, how you structure it, and the materials you include to support what you say, such as slides, videos, or images.

You'll make presentations at various times in your life. Examples include:

Making speeches at a wedding, conference, or another event

Making a toast at a dinner or event

Explaining projects to a team 

Delivering results and findings to management teams

Teaching people specific methods or information

Proposing a vote at community group meetings

Pitching a new idea or business to potential partners or investors

Why are presentation skills important?

Delivering effective presentations is critical in your professional and personal life. You’ll need to hone your presentation skills in various areas, such as when giving a speech, convincing your partner to make a substantial purchase, and talking to friends and family about an important situation.

No matter if you’re using them in a personal or professional setting, these are the skills that make it easier and more effective to convey your ideas, convince or persuade others, and experience success. A few of the benefits that often accompany improving your presentation skills include:

Enriched written and verbal communication skills

Enhanced confidence and self-image

Boosted critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities

Better motivational techniques

Increased leadership skills

Expanded time management, negotiation, and creativity

The better your presenting techniques, the more engaging your presentations will be. You could also have greater opportunities to make positive impacts in business and other areas of your life.

What is an effective presentation? 

A presentation should provide ideas or information in an effort to educate, entertain, or persuade an audience. An effective presentation:

- Involves planning and preparation

- Has an organized design

- Is delivered successfully

- Meets its objective

- Leaves the audience with a positive view of the presenter

Effective presentation skills

Imagine yourself in the audience at a TED Talk or sitting with your coworkers at a big meeting held by your employer. What would you be looking for in how they deliver their message? What would make you feel engaged?

These are a few questions to ask yourself as you review this list of some of the most effective presentation skills.

Verbal communication

How you use language and deliver messages play essential roles in how your audience will receive your presentation. Speak clearly and confidently, projecting your voice enough to ensure everyone can hear. Think before you speak, pausing when necessary, and tailoring the way you talk to resonate with your particular audience.

Body language

Body language combines various critical elements, including posture, gestures, eye contact, expressions, and position in front of the audience. Body language is one of the elements that can instantly transform a presentation that would otherwise be dull into one that's dynamic and interesting.

Voice projection

The ability to project your voice improves your presentation by allowing your audience to hear what you're saying. It also increases your confidence to help settle any lingering nerves while also making your message more engaging. To project your voice, stand comfortably with your shoulders back. Take deep breaths to power your speaking voice and ensure you enunciate every syllable you speak.

How you present yourself plays a role in your body language and ability to project your voice. It also sets the tone for the presentation. Remain open, upright, and adaptable while taking the formality of the occasion into account.

Storytelling

Incorporating storytelling into a presentation is an effective strategy used by many powerful public speakers. It has the power to bring your subject to life and pique the audience’s curiosity. Consider telling a personal story, slowly building up suspense, or adding a dramatic moment. And, of course, be sure to end with a positive takeaway to drive your point home.

Active listening

Active listening is a valuable skill all on its own. When you understand and thoughtfully respond to what you hear—whether it's in a conversation or during a presentation—you’ll likely deepen your personal relationships and actively engage audiences during a presentation. As part of your presentation skill set, it helps catch and maintain the audience’s attention, helping them remain focused while minimizing passive response, ensuring the message is delivered correctly, and encouraging a call to action.

Stage presence

During a presentation, projecting confidence can help keep your audience engaged. Stage presence can help you connect with your audience and encourage them to want to watch you. To improve your presence, try amping up your normal demeanor by infusing it with a bit of enthusiasm. Project confidence and keep your information interesting.

Watch your audience as you’re presenting. If you’re holding their attention, it likely means you’re connecting well with them.

Self-awareness

Monitoring your own emotions and reactions will allow you to react well in various situations. It helps you remain personable throughout your presentation and handle feedback well. Self-awareness can help soothe nervousness during presentations, allowing you to perform more effectively.

Writing skills

Writing is a form of presentation. Sharp writing skills can help you master your presentation’s outline to ensure you stay on message and remain clear about your objectives from the beginning until the end. It’s also helpful to have strong writing abilities for creating compelling slides and other visual aids.

Understanding an audience

When you understand your audience's needs and interests, you can design your presentation around them. In turn, you'll deliver maximum value to them and enhance your ability to make your message easy to understand.

Learn more about presentation skills from industry experts at SAP:

How to get better at public speaking 

There’s an art to public speaking. Just like any other type of art, this is one that requires practice. Improving your presentation skills will help reduce miscommunications, enhance your time management capabilities, and boost your leadership skills. Explore some ways you can improve these skills:

Work on self-confidence.

When you’re confident, you naturally speak more clearly and with more authority. Taking the time to prepare your presentation with a strong opening and compelling visual aids can help you feel more confident. Other ways to improve your self-confidence include practicing positive self-talk, surrounding yourself with positive people, and avoiding comparing yourself (or your presentation) to others.

Develop strategies for overcoming fear.

Many people are nervous or fearful before giving a presentation. A bad memory of a past performance or insufficient self-confidence can contribute to fear and anxiety. Having a few go-to strategies like deep breathing, practicing your presentation, and grounding can help you transform that fear into extra energy to put into your stage presence.

Learn grounding techniques.

Grounding is any type of technique that helps you steer your focus away from distressing thoughts and keeps you connected with your present self. To ground yourself, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and imagine you’re a large, mature tree with roots extending deep into the earth—like the tree, you can become unshakable.

Learn how to use presentation tools.

Visual aids and other technical support can transform an otherwise good presentation into a wow-worthy one. A few popular presentation tools include:

Canva: Provides easy-to-design templates you can customize

Powtoon: Animation software that makes video creation fast and easy

PowerPoint: Microsoft's iconic program popular for dynamic marketing and sales presentations

Practice breathing techniques.

Breathing techniques can help quell anxiety, making it easier to shake off pre-presentation jitters and nerves. It also helps relax your muscles and get more oxygen to your brain.  For some pre-presentation calmness, you can take deep breaths, slowly inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth.

While presenting, breathe in through your mouth with the back of your tongue relaxed so your audience doesn't hear a gasping sound. Speak on your exhalation, maintaining a smooth voice.

Gain experience.

The more you practice, the better you’ll become. The more you do anything, the more comfortable you’ll feel engaging in that activity. Presentations are no different. Repeatedly practicing your own presentation also offers the opportunity to get feedback from other people and tweak your style and content as needed.

Additional presenting tips

Your presentation isn’t about you; it’s about the material you’re presenting. Sometimes, reminding yourself of this ahead of taking center stage can help take you out of your head, allowing you to connect effectively with your audience. The following are some of the many actions you can take on the day of your presentation.

Arrive early.

Adding travel time can help you avoid stress and calm presentation-related jitters. Give yourself an abundance of time to arrive at your destination, and take into account heavy traffic and other unforeseen events. By arriving early, you also give yourself time to meet with any on-site technicians, test your equipment, and connect with people ahead of the presentation.

Become familiar with the layout of the room.

Arriving early also gives you time to assess the room and figure out where you want to stand. Experiment with the acoustics to determine how loudly you need to project your voice, and test your equipment to make sure everything connects and appears properly with the available setup. This is an excellent opportunity to work out any last-minute concerns and move around to familiarize yourself with the setting for improved stage presence.

Listen to presenters ahead of you.

When you watch others present, you'll get a feel for the room's acoustics and lighting. You can also listen for any data that’s relevant to your presentation and revisit it during your presentation. This can make the presentation more interactive and engaging.

Use note cards.

Writing yourself a script could provide you with more comfort. Only include talking points in your note cards to prevent sounding robotic or disengaged. Using note cards can help keep your presentation organized while sounding more authentic to your audience.

Your next steps for improving presentation skills

Presentation skills add value across a wide range of occupations, so it can help your career to develop them. Learn to deliver clear and confident presentations with Dynamic Public Speaking Specialization from the University of Washington. Build confidence, develop new delivery techniques, and practice strategies for crafting compelling presentations for different purposes, occasions, and audiences.

Article sources

Vukovic, Milovan, Urosevic, Snezana, and Radosavljevic, Darko. 2022. " Importance of Presentation Skills in Contemporary Business ." Journal of Economics, Management, and Informatics, Bizinfo Blace 13(1):87-93. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/ 362296031_Importance_of_presentation_skills_in_contemporary_business.” Accessed November 7, 2024. 

University of California. " How to Sharpen Your Attention and Meet Your Goals in 2024 , https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/how-sharpen-your-attention-and-meet-your-goals-2024." Accessed November 7, 2024. 

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How to Make a “Good” Presentation “Great”

• Guy Kawasaki

Remember: Less is more.

A strong presentation is so much more than information pasted onto a series of slides with fancy backgrounds. Whether you’re pitching an idea, reporting market research, or sharing something else, a great presentation can give you a competitive advantage, and be a powerful tool when aiming to persuade, educate, or inspire others. Here are some unique elements that make a presentation stand out.

• Fonts: Sans Serif fonts such as Helvetica or Arial are preferred for their clean lines, which make them easy to digest at various sizes and distances. Limit the number of font styles to two: one for headings and another for body text, to avoid visual confusion or distractions.
• Colors: Colors can evoke emotions and highlight critical points, but their overuse can lead to a cluttered and confusing presentation. A limited palette of two to three main colors, complemented by a simple background, can help you draw attention to key elements without overwhelming the audience.
• Pictures: Pictures can communicate complex ideas quickly and memorably but choosing the right images is key. Images or pictures should be big (perhaps 20-25% of the page), bold, and have a clear purpose that complements the slide’s text.
• Layout: Don’t overcrowd your slides with too much information. When in doubt, adhere to the principle of simplicity, and aim for a clean and uncluttered layout with plenty of white space around text and images. Think phrases and bullets, not sentences.

As an intern or early career professional, chances are that you’ll be tasked with making or giving a presentation in the near future. Whether you’re pitching an idea, reporting market research, or sharing something else, a great presentation can give you a competitive advantage, and be a powerful tool when aiming to persuade, educate, or inspire others.

• Guy Kawasaki is the chief evangelist at Canva and was the former chief evangelist at Apple. Guy is the author of 16 books including Think Remarkable : 9 Paths to Transform Your Life and Make a Difference.

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Business Jargons

A Business Encyclopedia

Presentation

Definition : A presentation is a form of communication in which the speaker conveys information to the audience. In an organization presentations are used in various scenarios like talking to a group, addressing a meeting, demonstrating or introducing a new product, or briefing a team. It involves presenting a particular subject or issue or new ideas/thoughts to a group of people.

It is considered as the most effective form of communication because of two main reasons:

• Use of non-verbal cues.
• Facilitates instant feedback.

Business Presentations are a tool to influence people toward an intended thought or action.

Parts of Presentation

• Introduction : It is meant to make the listeners ready to receive the message and draw their interest. For that, the speaker can narrate some story or a humorous piece of joke, an interesting fact, a question, stating a problem, and so forth. They can also use some surprising statistics.
• Body : It is the essence of the presentation. It requires the sequencing of facts in a logical order. This is the part where the speaker explains the topic and relevant information. It has to be critically arranged, as the audience must be able to grasp what the speaker presents.
• Conclusion : It needs to be short and precise. It should sum up or outline the key points that you have presented. It could also contain what the audience should have gained out of the presentation.

Purpose of Presentation

• To inform : Organizations can use presentations to inform the audience about new schemes, products or proposals. The aim is to inform the new entrant about the policies and procedures of the organization.
• To persuade : Presentations are also given to persuade the audience to take the intended action.
• To build goodwill : They can also help in building a good reputation

Factors Affecting Presentation

Audience Analysis

Communication environment, personal appearance, use of visuals, opening and closing presentation, organization of presentation, language and words, voice quality, body language, answering questions, a word from business jargons.

Presentation is a mode of conveying information to a selected group of people live. An ideal presentation is one that identifies and matches the needs, interests and understanding level of the audience. It also represents the facts, and figures in the form of tables, charts, and graphs and uses multiple colours.

Related terms:

• Verbal Communication
• Visual Communication
• Non-Verbal Communication
• Communication
• 7 C’s of Communication

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Ideas and insights from Harvard Business Publishing Corporate Learning

Powerful and Effective Presentation Skills: More in Demand Now Than Ever

When we talk with our L&D colleagues from around the globe, we often hear that presentation skills training is one of the top opportunities they’re looking to provide their learners. And this holds true whether their learners are individual contributors, people managers, or senior leaders. This is not surprising.

Effective communications skills are a powerful career activator, and most of us are called upon to communicate in some type of formal presentation mode at some point along the way.

For instance, you might be asked to brief management on market research results, walk your team through a new process, lay out the new budget, or explain a new product to a client or prospect. Or you may want to build support for a new idea, bring a new employee into the fold, or even just present your achievements to your manager during your performance review.

And now, with so many employees working from home or in hybrid mode, and business travel in decline, there’s a growing need to find new ways to make effective presentations when the audience may be fully virtual or a combination of in person and remote attendees.

Whether you’re making a standup presentation to a large live audience, or a sit-down one-on-one, whether you’re delivering your presentation face to face or virtually, solid presentation skills matter.

Even the most seasoned and accomplished presenters may need to fine-tune or update their skills. Expectations have changed over the last decade or so. Yesterday’s PowerPoint which primarily relied on bulleted points, broken up by the occasional clip-art image, won’t cut it with today’s audience.

The digital revolution has revolutionized the way people want to receive information. People expect presentations that are more visually interesting. They expect to see data, metrics that support assertions. And now, with so many previously in-person meetings occurring virtually, there’s an entirely new level of technical preparedness required.

The leadership development tools and the individual learning opportunities you’re providing should include presentation skills training that covers both the evergreen fundamentals and the up-to-date capabilities that can make or break a presentation.

So, just what should be included in solid presentation skills training? Here’s what I think.

The fundamentals will always apply When it comes to making a powerful and effective presentation, the fundamentals will always apply. You need to understand your objective. Is it strictly to convey information, so that your audience’s knowledge is increased? Is it to persuade your audience to take some action? Is it to convince people to support your idea? Once you understand what your objective is, you need to define your central message. There may be a lot of things you want to share with your audience during your presentation, but find – and stick with – the core, the most important point you want them to walk away with. And make sure that your message is clear and compelling.

You also need to tailor your presentation to your audience. Who are they and what might they be expecting? Say you’re giving a product pitch to a client. A technical team may be interested in a lot of nitty-gritty product detail. The business side will no doubt be more interested in what returns they can expect on their investment.

Another consideration is the setting: is this a formal presentation to a large audience with questions reserved for the end, or a presentation in a smaller setting where there’s the possibility for conversation throughout? Is your presentation virtual or in-person? To be delivered individually or as a group? What time of the day will you be speaking? Will there be others speaking before you and might that impact how your message will be received?

Once these fundamentals are established, you’re in building mode. What are the specific points you want to share that will help you best meet your objective and get across your core message? Now figure out how to convey those points in the clearest, most straightforward, and succinct way. This doesn’t mean that your presentation has to be a series of clipped bullet points. No one wants to sit through a presentation in which the presenter reads through what’s on the slide. You can get your points across using stories, fact, diagrams, videos, props, and other types of media.

Visual design matters While you don’t want to clutter up your presentation with too many visual elements that don’t serve your objective and can be distracting, using a variety of visual formats to convey your core message will make your presentation more memorable than slides filled with text. A couple of tips: avoid images that are cliched and overdone. Be careful not to mix up too many different types of images. If you’re using photos, stick with photos. If you’re using drawn images, keep the style consistent. When data are presented, stay consistent with colors and fonts from one type of chart to the next. Keep things clear and simple, using data to support key points without overwhelming your audience with too much information. And don’t assume that your audience is composed of statisticians (unless, of course, it is).

When presenting qualitative data, brief videos provide a way to engage your audience and create emotional connection and impact. Word clouds are another way to get qualitative data across.

Practice makes perfect You’ve pulled together a perfect presentation. But it likely won’t be perfect unless it’s well delivered. So don’t forget to practice your presentation ahead of time. Pro tip: record yourself as you practice out loud. This will force you to think through what you’re going to say for each element of your presentation. And watching your recording will help you identify your mistakes—such as fidgeting, using too many fillers (such as “umm,” or “like”), or speaking too fast.

A key element of your preparation should involve anticipating any technical difficulties. If you’ve embedded videos, make sure they work. If you’re presenting virtually, make sure that the lighting is good, and that your speaker and camera are working. Whether presenting in person or virtually, get there early enough to work out any technical glitches before your presentation is scheduled to begin. Few things are a bigger audience turn-off than sitting there watching the presenter struggle with the delivery mechanisms!

Finally, be kind to yourself. Despite thorough preparation and practice, sometimes, things go wrong, and you need to recover in the moment, adapt, and carry on. It’s unlikely that you’ll have caused any lasting damage and the important thing is to learn from your experience, so your next presentation is stronger.

How are you providing presentation skills training for your learners?

Manika Gandhi is Senior Learning Design Manager at Harvard Business Publishing Corporate Learning. Email her at [email protected] .

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