What is a Presentation Coach? The best way to improve your presentation skills

I am sure, if you have ever thought about having a presentation coach, you will have asked “what is presentation coaching?” and how does it work. What can coaching for presentation skills do for you?

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. 

Why Coaching for Presentation Skills Matters

When you call us and say that you need a presentation training course for your team, we never just say yes. First, we want to know what you want to get from presentation skills training, and what results you expect.

The world of presentation coaching can be perplexing. Businesses often seek a magic bullet, uttering the phrase “presentation training” with the hope of instant transformation. But what truly lies beneath this umbrella term? Is it merely about boosting confidence or is there more to understand?

How Our Presentation Coaches Work

As we ask you more questions, we better understand the problems you face and how we can help you.  While almost everyone wants to increase confidence when presenting, many people ask for help ‘improving my presentation delivery’.  But we’ll ask you questions so we know what business improvements you want to see, and how we can best help you build lasting presentation skills and create compelling presentations. 

Improve All Your Presentation Skills

One thing many people overlook, is that great presentation skills are more than how you stand, how you use your hands and how you use your voice.  Presentation delivery skills are important, but they tend to be the icing on the cake, after you’ve got a brilliant presentation to start with.

Over the last 15 years our team of business presentation coaches, all with 20+ years’ experience as business leaders, have developed a process for fast, effective corporate presentation coaching.  We’ve coached thousands of executives in the UK to become brilliant corporate presenters.  

At its simplest, a great executive presentation coach will address the following areas:

Let’s look at each essential element in turn.

1.  More Than an Ordinary Presentation Training Course

If you really want to transform your presentation skills and become a powerful and effective presenter, then you need a presentation coach that makes a lasting difference.  Some people run training courses that take people through PowerPoint slides.  At Benjamin Ball Associates we do it differently. First, we tailor your coaching to exactly what you need. Presentation Skills Coaching, Public Speaking Coaching, One to One Presentation Skills Coaching, Pitch Coaching – they are all subtly different.

Your coach will work based exclusively on presentation role play.  You bring along a business presentation, a talk, or a situation that you want to work on.  Over the course of an intensive half-day, usually, we show you what you are doing well and what needs changing. 

Our unique PitchPresent Methodology means fast, lasting improvements.  You make changes based on the skills you learn and see the difference.  Every person gets individual advice, and you go away with a clear plan to make sure you embed those presentation skills changes forever.

2. Your Coach will Help You Understand Your Audience

“Designing a presentation without an audience in mind is like writing a love letter and addressing it ‘to whom it may concern.’”

– Ken Haemer, AT&T

One overlooked element in many presentation training courses is a proper analysis of your audience. This is important because there is no such thing as a generic presentation. Every presentation is written for your audience.

With a Benjamin Ball Associates presentation coach you’ll learn how to think about your audience and how to prepare your presentation so that your audience is enthralled from the start.

What are your audience’s prior experiences with the topic? What are their hopes and concerns? Use this knowledge to chart your course.  You can then tailor your message so that is resonates and leaves a lasting impression.  A presentation is only a presentation when you are speaking directly to your audience. 

2. Be Clear What You Want to Achieve

Imagine setting sail without a map to your destination. The same principle applies to presentations. Before starting on your journey, it’s crucial to be clear on your objectives. 

A presentation is never about ‘telling people something’.  The Benjamin Ball Associates Planning Process will give you powerful tools to make sure you are on course from the beginning.  

3. Build a Narrative and Use a Winning Structure

A presentation without structure is like a house without a foundation – destined to crumble under the weight of its own content. Skilled presenters understand the power of writing a compelling narrative, one that guides the audience on a clear and interesting journey. This narrative serves as the architectural blueprint, so that your message unfolds seamlessly, giving your audience memorable takeaways.

When you work with our presentation coach, you’ll learn some simple structures to transform your presenting effectiveness.  You’ll start your presentation powerfully, build powerful arguments and then end your presentation brilliantly.

4. Use Language Than Engages

Presentations shouldn’t be one-sided monologues. Effective presenters understand how to ignite the spark of engagement. This can involve incorporating interactive elements, posing thought-provoking questions, or developing a sense of community with your audience. By weaving engagement into the fabric of your presentation, you transform passive listeners into active participants, creating a dynamic and enriching experience.

And great presenters understand how to master powerful spoken language.  Spoken language and written language are completely different.  During the BBA coaching sessions we’ll give you a crash course on Power Language, The Language of Leadership.  It will make your presentations sound professional and land with impact.  

5. Perform with Confidence and Enthusiasm

While confidence is certainly desirable, it’s just one instrument in the presenter’s orchestra. Delivery covers a wide range of techniques. It’s the maestro’s baton, changing the audience’s perception and engagement. When you master the art of pacing, vocal variety, and body language, you can transform your presentation from the sharing of information into a proper business experience.

During your work with a coach, you’ll quickly identify a handful of changes to your presentation delivery to give you the confidence that you have mastered the art of presenting with style.

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.”

Mick May, CEO, Blue Sky

Our most popular training courses include:

• Presentation Coaching
• Public Speaking Coaching
• Investor Pitch Support and Coaching

Trusted by some of the most successful companies globally

Speak to Louise on +44 20 7018 0922 or email info@benjaminball.com to transform your speeches, pitches and presentations.

Speak to an expert. Get a free consultation

6. Increase Your Confidence

Even the most seasoned presenters experience nerves. But remember, nerves aren’t foes, but rather sources of energy waiting to be harnessed. The good news is that you can quickly overcome nerves and transform them into focused enthusiasm.

Over our 15 years coaching executives to improve their business presentation skills, we’ve developed a series of powerful techniques to quickly overcome nerves so that you look and feel confident.  We look forward to helping you too.

7. Design Visual Aids that Add Value

Visuals can be powerful allies in the presenter’s arsenal. However, just as a cluttered canvas can distract from the masterpiece, poorly designed slides will hinder your message.

When you understand the core principles of visual design you can create slides that complement your presentation, not overshadow it.

Our set of presentation design rules will help you take control of your PowerPoint and use it to deliver the results you want.

8. Practice Like a Professional

Every great athlete, musician, public speaker, and presenter will practice their skills.  There are good ways to practice and bad ways. 

 When you practice your presentation properly, you’ll learn how to subtly adjust what you say and how you say it so that your audience gets the best experience possible. You want your audience not only informed, but also inspired and engaged.

Remember, effective presentation training goes beyond a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s about empowering you to discover your unique voice and orchestrate a symphony of skills that means your audience reacts as you want.

Get A Presentation Coach Today

An expert in-person or online presentation coach will take you beyond simply boosting confidence or focusing on isolated skills. They’ll show you a complete approach, covering all eight areas outlined above. By mastering these skills, you can significantly improve your career prospects and contribute to the success of your organisation.

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.

Speak to an expert. Get a free consultation

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.

Speak to an expert. Get a free consultation

FAQ: Presentation Coaching – Your Questions Answered

1. What does a presentation coach do?

A presentation coach helps business professionals refine their speaking skills, from structuring compelling narratives to delivering with confidence. They provide tailored feedback, practical techniques, and structured training to ensure your presentations achieve the desired impact.

2. How can a presentation coach help me improve?

Your coach will work with you on key areas such as:

• Crafting a clear, persuasive message
• Engaging your audience effectively
• Using confident body language and vocal delivery
• Designing impactful slides
• Managing nerves and projecting authority

3. Is presentation coaching only for senior executives?

No. While many senior leaders use coaching to refine their pitches, professionals at all levels benefit—whether preparing for investor meetings, conference talks, or internal presentations.

4. How long does it take to see results?

Many clients notice improvements after just one session. However, lasting change typically comes from follow-up practice and applying the techniques learned. Half-day or full-day workshops often deliver immediate, measurable progress.

5. Do you offer online coaching?

Yes. We provide both in-person and virtual coaching, ensuring flexibility for busy professionals worldwide.

6. What makes Benjamin Ball Associates different from other training providers?

Our coaches are seasoned business leaders with 20+ years of experience, not just trainers. We use a proven methodology (PitchPresent) tailored to real-world corporate needs, ensuring practical, lasting improvements.

7. How do I know if I need a presentation coach?

Consider coaching if you:

• Feel nervous or unprepared before speaking
• Struggle to hold your audience’s attention
• Want to make your pitches more persuasive
• Need to convey complex ideas simply

8. What should I bring to a coaching session?

Bring a real presentation you’re working on—whether a pitch deck, conference talk, or internal update. This allows for hands-on, relevant feedback.

9. Can you help with investor pitch decks?

Absolutely. We specialise in helping startups and businesses refine their investor pitches, ensuring clarity, credibility, and compelling storytelling.

10. How do I get started?

Book a free consultation to discuss your needs, or call Louise on +44 20 7018 0922.

Speak to an expert. Get a free consultation