Want to improve your business presentation skills and speak with confidence? How to Improve presentation skills? Want to learn essential business presentation skills?
Whether you’re delivering investor pitches, conference talks or team updates, by mastering business presentations you’ll soon see that to improve presentation skills is a game-changer.
In this guide, you’ll learn 13 proven techniques—used by executives worldwide—to transform all aspects of your corporate presentation skills. Plus, discover how presentation coaching can fast-track your success.
Meet the Author: Benjamin Ball
Ben is the founder of Benjamin Ball Associates and leads the presentation coaching and pitch deck creation teams. Formerly a corporate financier in the City of London, for 20+ years he’s helped businesses win with better pitches and presentations, particularly investor pitches. He is a regular speaker and a guest lecturer at Columbia Business School and UCL London. Follow Ben on LinkedIn or visit the contact page.
Get Better Business Presentation Skills for Better Business
To present successfully in business, you need to know how to put together a winning presentation.
Your biggest challenge when upping your presentation skills is that it’s something you need to work at. That means it’s not just a quick win. For this reason, we have made these presentation skill tips easy.
But there is good news: Nobody is a natural presenter. Business presentation skills are learned skills that all the best presenters learn. Anyone can get better at presenting in business.
Business presentation skills are crucial for any business leader who wants to make a lasting impression. Effective communication is not just about words; it’s also about how you deliver them. Facial expressions, body language and tone all play a part in engaging your audience.
When business people invest in presentation skills training, they quickly see an improvement in how they connect with their audience. The most important thing is to build a personal connection that resonates, whether you’re speaking to a small team or a large audience.
There are many benefits to improving your corporate presentation skills. For example, better presentation skills can help you:
Become a more effective communicator. Corporate presentation skills are not just about speaking; they’re also about listening and responding to your audience. By being able to connect with your listeners, you will build rapport and influence opinions.
Build your confidence. The more you present, the more comfortable you’ll become. This will boost your confidence in other areas of your life, such as job interviews and networking events.
Advance your career. Having good presentation skills are essential for success in business. Presentation skills are often cited as the number one skill for business leaders. When you can deliver clear and concise presentations, you’ll make a positive impression on your colleagues, clients and competitors.
How to Improve Presentation Skills for Business
To help you build your corporate presentation skills, our presentation coaches have given you 13 of their top lessons for creating and delivering world-class business presentations.
These tips are equally valid for all types of corporate presentations. This expert advice is based on over 15 years of successfully supporting companies and teams with business presentation training.
13 Proven Ways to Improve Presentation Skills – with examples
To learn what skills are needed to develop corporate presentation skills, here is each tip in more detail.
1. Never Plan Your Presentation with PowerPoint
The biggest mistake many people make is to open PowerPoint and start by creating presentation slides. This is the wrong way to start. You’ll find it hard to be a good presenter if you use PowerPoint as your first step.
So, what do you do to become a better presenter? What do people with great corporate presentation skills do? Learn how to write a winning presentation. Three behaviours that we coach people to adopt when we work with them to prepare powerful business presentations include:
1. Understand your audience. The first step to improving presentation skills is to understand the needs of your audience. Tailoring your content to their specific needs makes it more relevant and impactful. Many training programmes work on refining your delivery to ensure clarity and engagement. This is not enough.
Executive presentation training will take this a step further, helping you to present with confidence at the highest level. Practice sessions are crucial for mastering best practices, from structuring your message to using body language effectively.
2. Have a very clear intent to your presentation. Your presentation should have a purpose. And that purpose is never “to tell them about”. That’s not a purpose. Think what you want your audience to do or think after your presentation. For example, a good intent to your presentation could be: To reassure senior management that we are on target. OR To get people to ask how we can support them. OR To get a second meeting from this potential investor.
The clearer you are about your intent, the easier it will be to achieve it.
3. Have one message that underpins your presentation. A great presentation has a single message to get across. Not five messages, not ten messages, just one message. To test whether your message works, imagine someone talking about your presentation. Would they say “She talked about the new product” or “She said this new product will transform the success of our company?” Only the second is a strong message.
If you want to learn the best way to plan your presentation, then learn more about our presentation coaching courses. They are fast and effective.
2. Make Your Audience Feel Comfortable During Your Presentation
If your audience does not feel comfortable, they will not listen to you. A business presentation skill you want to work on is connecting with your audience. You have many ways of creating a personal connection. One simple idea is to avoid Death by PowerPoint. Many of the best presentation techniques do not involve going through a PowerPoint presentation. Read more here.
You can make your audience feel comfortable by empathising with what they think and believe. For example, if you start your presentation by flattering the audience and telling them what they want to hear, you will get them nodding and listening to you. This will help you be a more impressive presenter.
Why Pick Benjamin Ball Associates for Your Presentation Coaching
At Benjamin Ball Associates, we’ve been coaching business people to improve their business communication skills for over 15 years. Our coaching is fast and effective. We work with individuals and with companies, one-to-one and in groups. Call us today to learn more.
“I honestly thought it was the most valuable 3 hours I’ve spent with anyone in a long time.”
“Don’t be a logic bully”. Logic alone does not persuade. If logic alone was persuasive, then we would have no need for presentations, speeches or pitches. We’d all be communicating with spreadsheets.
Two and a half thousand years ago, Aristotle described what’s needed in a persuasive argument. You need a good balance of (1) logos, (2) ethos and (3) pathos. You can translate these Greek words as (1) Logic, (2) Credibility and (3) Emotion. What this means is that those with good presentation skills use a healthy balance of logic, credibility and emotion. To better understand logos ethos pathos, read this article.
4. Give Your Audience a Simple Story
One of the most common mistakes people make when presenting is to make their presentations too complex. They assume that because people in the audience are smart that they will want complex ideas and complex presentations. This is wrong. Complexity is off-putting. Our brains love simplicity. A great presentation is a simple presentation.
Having worked on hundreds successful business presentations, we often surprise ourselves how simple the best presentations are. But making complex presentations simple is hard work. Anyone can pack a presentation with bullet points. It takes real skill to present with just a handful of words and diagrams on a page. .
Learn how you can improve your corporate presentation skills with expert presentation coaching.
5. Speak to Your Audience Using Their Language
Which words do your audience use? What phrases will be familiar? Do they speak amongst themselves in corporate jargon or do they use the language of the pub.
One of the presentation skills used by leaders is to speak using the simplest words possible. And they use words that are familiar to the audience. That how you keep your audience’s attention.
For example, what do they speak about? Is it ‘corporate strategy’ or is it ‘where are we going as a company’? Is it ‘customer engagement’, or is it ‘what our customers say’? If you know the language that audience members use, you too can use that language, which will be more meaningful. That’s how you present like a pro.
The more you can get into your audience’s head and speak their language, the better you will persuade.
Generally, nobody wants to be taken through a presentation. Audiences prefer to be spoken to as if one to one. If you can turn a ‘presentation’ into a ‘teaching experience’ you will be more successful. For example, you are probably an expert on something when you present. How can you share that expertise?
People love learning new things. If you can explain, teach and help people understand, then you will demonstrate great presentation skills and will give effective presentations.
Personal talk
Sheryl Sandberg is the COO of Facebook. She gives a highly personal and compelling talk explaining why few women get to the top. She has practical advice about how to change this.
To polish your corporate presentation skills, find out more about our award-winning presentation coaching.
7. Acknowledge Weaknesses
The weakest presentations paper over cracks and say that everything is fine. If you want to be convincing when you present, then you want to be clear that you understand what weaknesses exist and that you have plans to overcome those weaknesses.
And if you can’t see any weaknesses? Then ask people. Identify something that’s not completely perfect and show that you understand that problem.
By demonstrating that you acknowledge problems or weaknesses, you make it clear that you are good at running a business and forecasting problems. That is a great way to demonstrate that you have good corporate presentation skills.
8. Use Stories, Examples and Anecdotes When Presenting
One of my favourite sayings for great presentations is “Facts get forgotten, but stories get repeated.” A good story is more compelling than the most convincing numbers. Yet, too many presentations fail to harness the power of compelling stories.
A good story in your presentation can be like one of those multi-tools. It can do many jobs at once. A powerful presentation story can help bring a complex idea to life. It can hammer home key points. A story can make it easy for someone to understand what drives you, and a strong story will help your audience. A good story can show how you deal with adversity.
A great corporate presentation usually has a great structure. And a great presentation structure has common elements. To be successful, your presentation will use:
a. A strong start that connects with your audience b. Clear messages, stated early in your presentation c. Systematic sections, each of which push your story forward d. A powerful, enthusiastic end.
If you can create a great structure like this, it’s much more likely that you will be have a successful presentation.
How do you get your men fired up to risk their lives and still remain disciplined under pressure? This re-enactment by Kenneth Branagh of a reported off-the-cuff speech is a perfect example.
Inspirational speech
10. Make Your Presentation Easy For Your Audience
For you to be successful in persuading your audience, you need to make it easy for your audience. What does that mean? It means you need to do the hard work so that your business presentation is easy to understand. And your audience does not need to work hard. Following the steps above will help you improve your corporate presentation skills and become a much more effective presenter.
Not every firm has an annual shareholders meeting as big as this. Chief Financial Officer Charles Holley of Walmart shows how you can speak to analysts, shareholders and employees and keep them all engaged.
11. Improve Eye Contact and Develop Confident Body Language
One of the most powerful ways to enhance your presentation skills is by mastering eye contact, confident body language and non-verbal communication. Maintaining steady eye contact with your audience helps establish a connection and keeps them engaged. It shows that you are attentive, credible, and present in the moment.
Rather than scanning the room aimlessly, try looking at individual audience members for a few seconds at a time, creating the sense of a conversation. Equally important is your body language—stand tall, with your shoulders relaxed and your posture open.
Avoid fidgeting or crossing your arms, as these habits can signal nervousness or defensiveness. Use purposeful hand gestures, and move naturally as you speak. This reinforces your main points and helps project authority and confidence. Together, strong eye contact and assertive body language will make your presentation more compelling and memorable.
12. Overcome any Fear of Public Speaking
For many, the biggest challenges in presentations involve managing nerves and speaking with authority. Business presentation skills training often includes techniques to reduce anxiety and focus on your audience. The goal is to help you not only meet but exceed your audience’s expectations, leaving a professional and memorable impression. This level of skill doesn’t happen overnight, but with targeted practice and expert guidance, it’s possible to deliver with confidence and poise every time.
The key to conquering the anxiety around speaking in front of a group lies in preparation and practice. To come across as a confident speaker, start by being clear about your message—knowing what you want to say and why it matters will help boost your confidence. Practice your speech or presentation in front of a mirror, with friends, or even recording yourself, paying attention to body language, tone, and clarity.
Deep breathing exercises and visualisation techniques can also help calm nerves before you step onto the stage. Remember that it’s okay to be human; small mistakes are natural and won’t derail your message if you’re clear and authentic. Over time, the more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you’ll become in front of an audience, empowering you to inspire and lead more effectively.
13. Dedicate Time to Practising
You only get better with practice. If your presentation skills are not yet as good as you would like, then get constructive criticism from an experienced presenter. The more you prepare the better your actual presentation will be. When you do a practice run, get feedback on:
Do you grab attention from the start?
Does the important information and important points come across clearly?
Does the audience feel positive throughout?
Are the questions the audience have answered quickly?
Does the end leave you feeling positive?
Does it feel like the speaker really cares about the audience?
Is there a clear action point or next step?
A common challenge in business communication is maintaining audience interest. Even experienced business leaders can struggle with this, especially in front of a large audience. One effective strategy is to think like a professional actor—using storytelling, strong gestures, and varied facial expressions to keep the energy high.
Performance reviews can also be valuable, allowing you to pinpoint specific areas for improvement. This type of feedback helps you fine-tune your skills, whether it’s about projecting your voice, using visuals effectively, or adjusting your style based on the size and nature of the audience.
Common Presentation Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)
Even experienced presenters fall into traps that undermine their impact. One of the most frequent mistakes?
Overloading slides with text—which forces audiences to read instead of listen. Fix this by using visuals sparingly and letting your narration drive the story.
Another pitfall is failing to rehearse, leading to rambling delivery or awkward pauses. The solution? Practice aloud multiple times, refining both content and timing.
Many also ignore their audience’s needs, diving into jargon or irrelevant details. Counter this by researching your listeners beforehand and tailoring your message to their priorities.
Finally, nervous habits—like pacing or filler words—can distract from your message.
A presentation coach can pinpoint these quirks and help you replace them with confident pauses and purposeful movement. Avoid these errors, and you’ll transform shaky performances into compelling, polished deliveries.
How Presentation Coaching Builds Confidence
Many assume confidence comes from natural talent—but in reality, it’s a skill forged through preparation and expert feedback. Presentation coaching accelerates this process by identifying unconscious habits (like rushed speech or closed body language) and replacing them with proven techniques.
Through role-play based exercises, you’ll learn to structure messages clearly, control nerves, and project authority through voice and posture. Mock presentations with real-time feedback train you to handle tough questions and unexpected interruptions with poise.
Over time, this deliberate practice rewires self-doubt into muscle memory—so you can present not just competently, but compellingly. As one client put it: “After coaching, I stopped worrying about stumbling and started connecting. That’s when presentations became powerful.”
Get Help to Improve Your Business Presentation Skills
If you want improved presentation skills, get in touch.
Our team of expert presentation coaches has been helping business executives polish their presentation skills for over 15 years. We are trusted by some of the world’s largest businesses. Click on the link below or phone Louise Angus on +44 20 7018 0922 to discuss your needs.
Why Choose Us: Transform your pitches and presentations with tailored coaching
We can help you present brilliantly.Thousands of people have benefitted from our tailored in-house coaching and advice – and we can help you too.
“I honestly thought it was the most valuable 3 hours I’ve spent with anyone in a long time.”
Mick May, CEO, Blue Sky
For 15+ years we’ve been the trusted choice for leading businesses and executives throughout the UK, Europe and the Middle East. We’ll help you improve corporate presentations through presentation coaching, public speaking training and expert advice on pitching to investors.
Some recent clients
Unlock your full potential and take your presentations to the next level.
Speak to Louise on +44 20 7018 0922 or email info@benjaminball.com to transform your speeches, pitches and presentations.
1. Why are strong business presentation skills important?
When you give a good presentation, you can convey ideas clearly, persuade stakeholders, and build credibility. Developing good presentation skills will improve your career prospects, enhance leadership impact, and strengthen business relationships.
Many people say communication skills are the most important skills a leader should possess.
2. How can I make my presentations more engaging?
To have more engaging presentation you need good content. That means using storytelling, real-world examples, and relevant visuals to keep your audience interested.
The way you write your presentation and the way you structure your presentation are all core elements of great business communication skills.
In terms of delivery, you should vary your tone, pace, and gestures to maintain attention. You can ask questions or involve your audience to make it interactive.
3. What are the key elements of a successful business presentation?
If you want to give a strong presentation, you want to be sure it is well-structured, clear, and tailored to your audience. Include a compelling opening, a logical flow of information, and a strong closing message. Confidence, clarity, and visual support also play crucial roles.
4. How can I reduce nervousness before a presentation?
Nerves happen for many reasons. The best advice we have to reduce nerves it to make your presentation about your audience, not about you.
You must practice thoroughly, rehearse in front of a trusted colleague, and perhaps try some breathing techniques. Arrive early to familiarise yourself with the room or virtual setup. Shift your mindset from fear about yourself to seeing it as an opportunity to help your audience.
5. How do I structure a business presentation effectively?
Good presentation structure is key. Avoid a data dump. Start with a strong introduction that outlines the purpose and key takeaways. Use a logical sequence with clear sections and smooth transitions. End with a memorable conclusion, summarising key points and reinforcing your message. Each part of your presentation should fit together neatly.
6. What are some common mistakes to avoid in business presentations?
Top mistakes that we have identified at Benjamin Ball Associates include:
– Never read directly from slides – Never overload slides with text – Avoid any jargon that might confuse the audience – Beware speaking too fast – Pay attention to good eye contact – And never fail to engage your audience at least every 10 words.
7. How can I improve my delivery and body language?
The best way is to work with a professional presentation coach. They’ll help you stand or sit with good posture, make eye contact, and use natural gestures to emphasise key points. They’ll show you ways to speak clearly and confidently, pausing when necessary to let important ideas sink in.
8. What role do visuals play in a business presentation?
A great presentation can be given with no visual aids. Well-designed slides can enhance understanding and retention. But, keep your visuals simple, use high-quality images, and avoid clutter. Graphs and charts should be easy to read and reinforce key points.
Overall, the more senior you are, the fewer slides you should be using.
9. How can I handle difficult questions or challenging audience members?
We’ve written a great article about how to answer questions after a presentation. Stay calm and composed, listen carefully, and respond thoughtfully. If you don’t know an answer, acknowledge it and offer to follow up later. Redirect off-topic discussions to keep attention on your presentation goals.
10. What’s the best way to improve business presentation skills over time?
Work with a coach. Like a great athlete, use regular coaching to build long-lasting presentation skills.
Practice regularly, seek feedback, and analyse strong presenters to learn from their techniques. Record yourself and watch the playback. This will help identify areas for improvement. Confidence grows with experience, so take every opportunity to present.
a remarkable communications coach. His understanding of corporate communications is unmatched. I highly recommend!
Stephen Muchiri
“Highly recommended”
helped me prepare for a key note speech. This helped for that particular speech and for every other since. Highly recommend.
Azim Khan, MD, AIS Consulting
“Truly fantastic”
"Thank you for today's training session. It was truly fantastic. I feel much more confident in my ability to not only write speeches but also present them effectively."
JG, FCA
“Clear improvements”
"The results speak for themselves — participants consistently show clear improvement and feel empowered to take on their roles as effective speakers.
Even during long Zoom sessions, Paul manages to keep the energy high and the experience enjoyable for everyone involved. His collaborative and engaging approach makes the training not only productive but genuinely enjoyable."
Mayra Gasparini Martins, Wise
“Highly effective”
...excellent in terms of helping develop and sharpen stories and messaging around Businesses and why they are unique.
... a useful sounding board to help management teams and Boards develop clear messages as to why a Business is different and attractive as an investment opportunity. ... highly effective at working with members of management teams on how to communicate and deliver key messages to potential interested parties in different environments.
George Moss, Partner, ECI
“Moved our presentation into a different league”
Moved our presentation into a different league and undoubtedly improved the outcome and offer we received.
Liz Warner, CEO, Betty TV
“Paid for itself many times over”
Our investment in coaching has paid for itself many times over.
Ed Coulthard, CEO, Blast! Films
“An impressive team”
We enjoy working with Benjamin Ball Associates to support our clients with coaching. We trust them to take the messages that we develop and assist our clients in communicating powerfully.
BBA has an impressive team of journalists and ex bankers that we work with to prepare our clients for a broad spectrum of communications activities such as media engagement, investor pitch delivery, conference panel speaking and crisis situations.
Their coaching means our clients have been more effective when speaking to the press and to investors. We have no hesitation in recommending them.
Amber Fennell, Director, ICR
“Makes a real difference”
"Great coaching that makes a real difference for a capital markets day or results presentation."
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