The simplest trick to improve your presentation skills

“We got the video from your speaking event in Las Vegas and I just have to say, you really bring up the energy when you smile… would you like to watch the replay?” 

This was the encouragement I received from one of my co-workers back in 2014 upon receiving video of one of my first public speaking engagements.

And oh boy, was that video replay of me speaking both hard to watch and game changing for my career. What I learned watching that video of me leading a breakout session was that I only smiled ONCE (she was being nice to me :) ). The rest of the time, the overly-concentrating look on my face was squished into a growl. 

I had been leading training and development events in corporate since 2005, and never once had I seen a video of me speak. The only other time I got close to experiencing my own body language, style and reactions was when my leader told me to sit facing the glass reflection side of the conference room so I could catch some of my facial reactions that I was unaware of (this is a true story). 

Since this mortifying yet helpful video replay event, I have made a commitment to get as much video of me speaking or presenting as possible. This is because no amount of presentation coaching will fix your little quirks and hiccups quite like watching yourself does.

A coach might say:

• "Smile more" - but I wouldn't have known I was nearly scowling the whole time until I saw my own face.

• "Stop the Ums" - but you don't notice how many or where your triggers are until you listen to yourself

• "Get to the point quicker" - but you are unlikely to notice the points you go into excessive detail on until you have to watch yourself tell the story.

For many of my executive coaching clients, presentation coaching comes hand in hand with our engagement. Why? Because as you advance as a leader, the time shortens and stakes rise for you to make an impact and condense an influential message. 

Many of my clients send me recordings of their presentations and I never give them feedback until, like I did, they watch themselves first. Even though watching yourself feels extra cringey, they come back empowered with strategies to improve. They typically give themselves the exact guidance I would have given them. 

This uncomfortable yet impactful self-coaching strategy works because we can begin to experience ourselves, for ourselves. Ultimately, it is for the benefit of our audiences and the changes we work hard to advocate for.

This is the same coaching I give leaders when they want to help their teams improve their tone, attitude, speaking style, etc. I encourage them to have the employee record themselves and listen. Suddenly it's apparent when they use too many “likes, ums, etc," where they interrupt people, or when they realize for themselves they over-talked for 90% of the meeting.

🔥 Have you ever received feedback on your presentation style? Have you taken the (albeit uncomfortable) opportunity to watch or listen to  yourself on playback? Keep reading for tips to use this strategy.

PUT THIS IDEA INTO ACTION

Want to use this simple strategy to master your presentation skills? Record an upcoming presentation or call. Here are some strategies that I use:

1. Prop up your cell phone camera in a corner of the room. I use a tripod stand sometimes.

2. Watch a replay of a recorded Zoom/Teams/WebEx call

3. Set up your phone to record yourself presenting on a virtual call if that call isn't recorded.

4. Stealthy option: Use your phone's audio recording function to record yourself presenting in a live meeting.

Once you have your recording, here are some places to focus your attention:

Visual Feedback

• In person: Are you using intentional movement on the stage or in the room? Or are you pacing?

  • Notice any clothes or jewelry - was any piece of clothing distracting or in the way? 

  • Did jewelry make noises in the microphone?

• Virtual: Are you following the “rule of thirds” - Your head and shoulders should ideally fill the middle third of the screen.

  • Your camera should be at hairline level, tilted downward slightly

  • Notice your background - are there any distractions or behaviors that take away from you as the presenter?

Verbal Feedback

• Talk ratios: If leading a meeting, how much did you talk? How much did you invite others to contribute (and listen to them without interrupting)?

• Style: What filler words do you like to use (um, like, so, kind of, etc) and what triggers you to use them?

  • How was the speed of your delivery?

  • How clear did you make points? 

    • How can you verify this?

Reaction Feedback

If your audience is in recorded view in your replay, turn off the volume and watch their reactions only. 

• Are they losing interest?

• Are you giving them time to participate?

• Are they engaged?

• What parts do they seem to respond to most? What can you do with this data?

Do This Next: Grab your phone and record yourself presenting in your next meeting. You might be surprised how you can improve your delivery, style and approach by experiencing yourself for just five minutes. This is a great coaching tool to share with your team, too.

Kelli Thompson is an award-winning author, keynote speaker, and executive coach who specializes in helping high achievers advance to influential leaders in their organizations. She is the author of the critically acclaimed book, Closing The Confidence Gap: Boost Your Peace, Your Potential & Your Paycheck.

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