The Orderly Conversation

Presentations aren’t performances; they’re conversations that come alive in the moment. The key is to connect with your audience, not control them.

1. Presentations Are Conversations, Not Performances

A presentation is not a scripted performance; it’s a dynamic exchange between the presenter and the audience. Unlike a performance, which is rehearsed and detached, a presentation thrives on interaction and spontaneity. The goal is to engage the audience in a meaningful way, not to deliver a flawless monologue.

When you treat a presentation like a performance, you risk building a wall between yourself and the audience. This wall prevents real connection and makes the presentation feel artificial. Instead, think of your presentation as an orderly conversation. It should have a clear structure to stay on track but also allow room for flexibility and audience participation.

For example, a sales pitch should adapt to the questions and reactions of potential clients. A project update should address the concerns of team members in real time. By embracing the unpredictable nature of a conversation, you can create a presentation that feels authentic and engaging.

Examples

• A teacher who adjusts their lesson plan based on student questions.
• A manager who pauses a presentation to address a team member’s concern.
• A salesperson who tailors their pitch to the client’s specific needs.

2. School Presentation Rules Can Lead to Bad Habits

Many of us learned to present in school, but the rigid rules we were taught often do more harm than good. These rules focus on delivery techniques like tone, eye contact, and posture, rather than the effectiveness of the message. This approach can create unhelpful habits that persist into adulthood.

The Dutiful Student, for instance, becomes overly focused on following the rules, losing sight of the audience’s needs. The Entertainer prioritizes style over substance, leaving the audience without a clear takeaway. Meanwhile, the Nervous Perfectionist rehearses excessively, making it hard to adapt to audience feedback.

To break free from these habits, focus on the purpose of your presentation: to communicate and connect. Forget about looking perfect and concentrate on how your audience is receiving your message.

Examples

• A student who memorizes a speech but struggles to answer questions afterward.
• A presenter who uses flashy visuals but fails to explain their relevance.
• A speaker who panics when the audience interrupts with questions.

3. Eye Contact and Pauses Keep You Grounded

When nerves take over during a presentation, it’s easy to spiral into self-focus. This can make you talk too fast, lose your train of thought, or disconnect from your audience. The solution? Shift your focus outward by making eye contact and using intentional pauses.

Eye contact helps you connect with individuals in the audience, making the presentation feel more personal. It also allows you to gauge their reactions and adjust your delivery accordingly. Pausing, on the other hand, gives you time to collect your thoughts and refocus on your message.

For instance, if you notice a confused expression, you can pause to clarify your point. If the audience seems disengaged, a pause can help you regain their attention. These simple techniques can transform a nerve-wracking experience into a confident, engaging conversation.

Examples

• A speaker who pauses to let a key point sink in.
• A presenter who makes eye contact with different sections of the audience.
• A nervous speaker who regains composure by pausing and breathing deeply.

4. Know Your Audience and Set Clear Goals

A successful presentation starts with understanding your audience and defining your goals. Before you create slides or rehearse, take time to think about who you’re speaking to and what you want them to take away.

For example, if you’re presenting to a group of executives, focus on high-level insights and actionable recommendations. If your audience is less familiar with the topic, simplify your language and provide more background information. Tailoring your message to your audience ensures that it resonates and achieves its purpose.

Writing down your goals can also help you stay focused. Instead of aiming to “explain a new process,” aim to “convince the team to adopt the new process.” This shift in perspective can make your presentation more impactful.

Examples

• A marketer who adjusts their pitch for a technical versus non-technical audience.
• A trainer who simplifies jargon for a group of beginners.
• A project manager who sets a goal to inspire confidence in a new strategy.

5. Frame Your Presentation with Context

The beginning of your presentation sets the tone for everything that follows. To capture your audience’s attention, start by framing your topic with clear context. Explain why they’re there, what you’ll cover, and what they’ll gain from listening.

Framing slides or visuals can help you organize this information. For instance, you might start with a slide that outlines the problem, followed by one that states your goal, another that lists your agenda, and a final one that highlights the benefits of your solution. This approach reassures your audience that their time will be well spent.

Concluding with a framing slide is equally important. Summarize your key points and provide a clear next step. This leaves your audience with a sense of closure and a concrete action to take.

Examples

• A consultant who begins with a slide showing the client’s current challenges.
• A team leader who ends with a slide summarizing the next steps for a project.
• A trainer who uses a visual agenda to guide participants through a workshop.

6. Avoid Overloading Your Slides

Slides are a tool, not the centerpiece of your presentation. Overloading them with text or complex visuals can overwhelm your audience and distract from your message. Instead, use slides to support your points with simple, clear visuals.

For example, a graph can illustrate trends more effectively than a paragraph of text. A photo can evoke emotion and make your message more memorable. The key is to ensure that your slides enhance, rather than compete with, your spoken words.

Remember, your audience should be listening to you, not reading your slides. Keep text minimal and focus on visuals that reinforce your message.

Examples

• A presenter who uses a single image to convey a powerful idea.
• A speaker who replaces a dense table with a simple bar chart.
• A trainer who uses icons to represent key concepts.

7. Embrace Flexibility During Your Presentation

No matter how well you prepare, presentations rarely go exactly as planned. Questions, technical issues, or unexpected reactions can throw you off course. The best presenters embrace this unpredictability and adapt in the moment.

For instance, if an audience member asks a question that’s off-topic but important, take a moment to address it. If your slides fail, focus on delivering your message verbally. Flexibility shows that you’re confident and responsive, which builds trust with your audience.

To prepare for the unexpected, practice thinking on your feet. Anticipate potential questions or challenges and consider how you might handle them. This will help you stay calm and composed when surprises arise.

Examples

• A speaker who adjusts their presentation based on audience feedback.
• A presenter who continues confidently despite a technical glitch.
• A trainer who incorporates an unplanned discussion into their session.

8. Practice with Purpose

Rehearsing your presentation is important, but how you practice matters. Instead of memorizing your script, focus on understanding your material and practicing your delivery. This will help you stay flexible and natural during the actual presentation.

One effective method is to practice in front of a friend or colleague and ask for feedback. Another is to record yourself and watch the playback. Look for areas where you can improve, such as pacing, clarity, or engagement.

The goal of practice is not perfection but preparation. By becoming comfortable with your material, you’ll be better equipped to handle the unpredictability of a live presentation.

Examples

• A speaker who practices answering potential audience questions.
• A presenter who rehearses transitions between slides.
• A trainer who practices explaining complex concepts in simple terms.

9. Confidence Comes from Connection

Confidence is not about being perfect; it’s about being present. When you focus on connecting with your audience, rather than impressing them, your confidence will naturally grow. This connection comes from being authentic, responsive, and engaged.

For example, instead of worrying about how you look or sound, think about how your audience is feeling. Are they engaged? Do they understand your message? By shifting your focus outward, you’ll feel less self-conscious and more in control.

Confidence also comes from preparation. When you know your material and have a clear plan, you’ll feel more at ease. Combine this with a genuine desire to connect, and you’ll deliver a presentation that leaves a lasting impact.

Examples

• A speaker who shares a personal story to connect with the audience.
• A presenter who adjusts their tone based on audience reactions.
• A trainer who encourages questions and feedback throughout the session.

Takeaways

1. Record yourself presenting and review the footage to identify areas for improvement.
2. Start every presentation by framing the context with clear goals and benefits for the audience.
3. Practice making eye contact and using pauses to stay connected and grounded during your presentation.