Do you have to give a presentation soon? Wondering how to improve your presentation skills fast? In this blog post we provide insights and tips that you can use right away to help you improve your presentation skills quick, fast, and in a hurry. Let’s get started!
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
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Presenting is a skill you can always refine, and with the right strategies, you can make noticeable improvements fast. Whether you’re preparing for a big presentation next week or looking to really engage a small audience, this guide will show you how to improve your presentation skills fast. From structuring your slides to mastering body language and voice control, these actionable tips will help you deliver a presentation that leaves a lasting impression.
In this article, we’ll focus primarily on the delivery of your presentation. From the mental art of conciseness to what to do with your hands, a powerful delivery involves your whole body.
Your presentation draft is written, and your slides are organized. Now it’s time to edit—and be ruthless about it! Ever heard the saying, “Kill your darlings”? It refers to cutting out details you love but that don’t serve your message in a meaningful way. These extras can clutter your presentation and waste valuable time.
Use tools like Hemingway Editor to streamline your text, eliminate repetition, and cut out rambling. This free browser tool helps you simplify your language and focus on clarity. The goal is to be concise—clear and to the point. This not only benefits your audience but also makes it easier for you as the speaker, giving you less to memorize and worry about.
What makes a great speaker? Watch videos of effective speakers, from TED Talks to political speeches, and observe their techniques. Pay attention to:
Take notes and incorporate these observations into your own style. The goal isn’t to copy someone else but to refine your speaking persona. For example, if you admire a speaker’s use of pauses, practice adding intentional pauses to your delivery.
Now it’s time to rehearse. While practicing in front of a mirror can help you observe your body language, recording a video of yourself is even more effective. Watching the playback allows you to:
If you have a willing listener, practice in front of them. To take it up a notch, ask them to play the role of a difficult listener—arms crossed, blank expression, no nodding or smiling. This will help you prepare for disengaged or challenging audience members and teach you how to maintain composure.
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It’s presentation day, and the nerves have set in. That’s adrenaline, and it’s not a bad thing! Nervousness is just energy—channel it into enthusiasm and passion for your topic. Here are practical tips to calm your nerves and prepare for a confident performance.
Replace negative thoughts like “What if I mess up?” with affirmations like “I am prepared and capable” or “I’ve got this.” Positive self-talk can shift your mindset and reduce anxiety.
Arrive at the venue early to familiarize yourself with the space, test your equipment, and settle in. Knowing your environment reduces uncertainty and helps you feel more in control.
If possible, chat with a few audience members before your presentation. This can help you feel more connected and turn the audience into friendly faces rather than strangers.
Nervousness often leads to shallow breathing, which can make you feel more anxious. Practice deep breathing: inhale for four counts, hold for four counts, and exhale for four counts. This calms your nerves and ensures your brain gets the oxygen it needs to think clearly.
If you have privacy, use it to stretch, move, and release tension. Shake out your hands, roll your shoulders, and loosen your jaw. Adopting power poses—like standing tall with your hands on your hips—can boost your confidence. Loosening up your body will also prepare you for effective body language as you step up to speak.
Pay attention to how you stand. Are you rocking on your feet or shifting your weight nervously? These habits can make you appear unsure. Instead, stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart, and own the space. If appropriate, move deliberately around the stage to engage your audience. For example, step closer to emphasize a key point.
To connect with your audience, you need to believe in your message. Nervousness can make you overly focused on reciting memorized words, but this can come across as robotic. Instead, focus on feeling your message. Why does it matter? Why should your audience care? When you speak with genuine conviction, your audience will respond.
Hand gestures can enhance your delivery when used intentionally. For example:
Avoid fidgeting or crossing your arms, as these can signal nervousness or defensiveness.
Eye contact is essential for building trust and connection. Instead of scanning the room aimlessly, focus on making eye contact with individuals in different sections of the audience. This creates a sense of personal engagement.
Avoid relying too much on your slides, as this breaks your connection with the audience. If you find yourself looking at your slides often, it may be a sign that they’re overloaded with text.
Your voice is a powerful tool for conveying emotion and emphasis. Here’s how to use it effectively:
Filler words like “um,” “uh,” and “like” can distract from your message. Here’s how to minimize them:
Improving your presentation skills doesn’t have to take months of practice. By focusing on key elements like body language, voice control, and preparation, you can make a noticeable impact in a short amount of time. These strategies show you exactly how to improve your presentation skills fast, helping you deliver a confident and engaging performance.
Have a look at our post, Business Presentation Skills for some more great advice!
Remember, presenting is a skill that grows with practice, so apply these tips, refine your delivery, and watch your confidence soar with every presentation!
“How to Improve Your Presentation Skills Fast” by A Roberts & Brenda de Jong-Pauley MA, Director, The English Center, 2025
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