Presentational Speaking: The Skill You Should Have—But Probably Don’t

Hey colleagues,

Let’s talk about a skill that every college graduate, MBA, and PhD should have mastered by now—yet many never really developed:

Presentational speaking.

That’s right—public speaking, giving a talk, running a team meeting, pitching a room, or teaching a concept in front of others.

And yet, for most people?
It’s terrifying.

You’ve heard the studies: people fear public speaking more than death. That’s wild.
But it’s also unnecessary.

Because here’s the truth:

Speaking before a group isn’t that complicated. But it is incredibly important.

And the good news?
You can get really good at it—fast.

All it takes is a little practice and a few key techniques. I’ve got eight for you—plus a bonus tip that works like magic.

Why Presentational Speaking Matters

Presenting well builds:

• Clarity – You communicate your ideas with confidence and structure
• Trust – People believe in you when you sound like you believe in yourself
• Opportunity – The person with the mic often ends up with the promotion, the sale, or the invitation

Whether you’re speaking to five people or fifty, this skill pays off.

How to Present Like a Pro: 8 (Plus 1) Proven Tips

Let’s break down the framework:

1. Know Your Audience
Before you create a single slide, ask:
Who are they? What do they care about? What are they struggling with?

Tailor your talk to their reality. It’s not about what you want to say—it’s about what they need to hear.

2. Know Your Material
If your slides crashed and your notes blew away, could you still give the talk?

If not—you’re not ready.

Don’t memorize every word, but know your key points and structure cold. This builds real confidence.

3. Treat It Like a Friendly Conversation
Don’t perform. Don’t lecture.
Just talk to people.

Use a warm tone. Ask questions. Say things like:

• “Raise your hand if this sounds familiar…”
• “How many of you have seen this before?”

When people feel involved, they stay engaged.

4. Be Personable—Don’t Just Read
Reading from slides or a script is a guaranteed way to lose the room. Look them in the eye. Be real. Be human.

If you’re bored with your talk, your audience definitely is.

5. Always End Early
If you’ve got 15 minutes, aim for 12.
If you’ve got 30, aim for 24.

Wrap up early and tell them you’re giving them back a few minutes of their day. They’ll love you for it.

6. Keep Your Slides Simple
Your slides should support you—not compete with you.

No eye chart slides. No walls of text.
Fewer words, more clarity. Use visuals sparingly. Let the audience focus on you.

7. Use a Simple Structure
Try the “Tell ’Em” model:

1. Tell ’em what you’re going to tell ’em
2. Tell ’em
3. Tell ’em what you told ’em

It gives your talk rhythm and helps your audience remember what matters.

8. Practice in Front of People
You won’t get better in your head. You’ll get better out loud.

Use team meetings, Toastmasters, community groups—anything. Practice. Get feedback. Repeat.

Bonus Tip: Start With a Story, Not a Joke

Most people tell you to open with a joke. Don’t.

Unless you’re a pro comic, that’s risky—and usually awkward.

Instead, tell a relatable story from your life.

Something personal, simple, and relevant.

It hooks the audience and calms your nerves. It grounds you. It makes you human.

Try:

“Let me tell you about the first time I completely bombed a presentation…”

You’ll have their attention immediately.

Final Thought

Presenting isn’t about being perfect.
It’s about being clear, confident, and connected.

Anyone can do it.
Yes—you can do it.

Follow the framework. Keep showing up. And remember:

“You don’t rise to the occasion. You fall to the level of your preparation.”

Let’s get you ready.

Until next time—

—George
Dean of Myford University
Driven by an F150. Fueled by truth.

P.S. If this helped, forward it to someone who dreads their next team meeting or pitch. They’ll thank you for it. If you want to read the full blog article—click here.