Imagine captivating your audience and leaving a lasting impression every time you speak publicly. Insights from a Founder & Director and a CEO provide invaluable strategies to make this possible. This article uncovers seventeen expert tips, starting with demonstrating expertise with tailored strategies and ending with packing presentations with tactical advice. Read on to master the art of effective and compelling public speaking.
- Demonstrate Expertise With Tailored Strategies
- Harness Storytelling for Audience Connection
- Engage Audience With Real-World Examples
- Tailor Message to Audience Priorities
- Simplify Complex Topics for Diverse Audiences
- Address Audience Needs With Tailored Solutions
- Use Storytelling to Engage and Educate
- Break Down Complex Concepts Into Actionable Insights
- Use Personal Anecdotes to Enhance Engagement
- Provide Clear, Actionable Insights
- Highlight Key Metrics With Visuals
- Engage Audience With Storytelling
- Simplify AI Concepts With Real-World Applications
- Focus on Skills Over Resumes
- Inspire Students With Personal Stories
- Touch Hearts With Patient Stories
- Pack Presentation With Tactical Advice
Tips from Experts on Public Speaking
Demonstrate Expertise With Tailored Strategies
I vividly remember giving a critical presentation that ultimately landed my biggest SEO client. The stakes were high—I needed to demonstrate not just my expertise but also how my strategies could uniquely benefit their complex needs. To prepare, I immersed myself in their industry data, identified key opportunities, and tailored a strategy specifically for their challenges and growth goals. My preparation strategy involved breaking down complex SEO concepts into clear, compelling insights, using real-life examples and potential outcomes.
To ensure a strong delivery, I practiced extensively, fine-tuning my timing and pacing while anticipating potential questions. Visual aids were designed to complement my key points without overwhelming my audience—each slide focused on impactful data or solutions. On the day of the presentation, I prioritized building rapport with the decision-makers, maintaining an engaging yet conversational tone, and actively involving them in discussions by inviting questions and feedback.
The result was a strong connection and a clear display of how my approach would drive their business forward. The client saw the genuine value and commitment in my proposal, ultimately signing on. My advice for speaking in such settings: know your audience, prepare deeply, practice confidently, and be ready to adapt to their cues and questions.
Alexander Hill
Founder & Director, AH Web SEO
Harness Storytelling for Audience Connection
At a Mumbai conference, I shared how a small business transformed its social media presence with simple tools. The audience connected instantly, proving the power of storytelling over data dumps.
I prepare by understanding my audience, building a clear narrative, and practicing until it feels natural. Before speaking, I focus on staying authentic and connecting with the room rather than chasing perfection.
Dinesh Agarwal
Founder, CEO, RecurPost
Engage Audience With Real-World Examples
I remember presenting to a local home improvement association about the benefits of innovative garage door technology. I knew this group was knowledgeable, so I focused on making the topic helpful and engaging. My approach was simple: prepare thoroughly, use visuals, and connect personally. I started by summarizing three clear points I wanted to leave with them: safety, convenience, and energy savings. Then, I gathered real-world examples and customer stories to bring each point to life.
To prepare, I rehearsed in front of my team to get comfortable with the flow and timing, and they gave feedback on areas to improve. I kept things casual during the presentation, inviting questions as I went along. This approach made the message more relatable, and I could see people nodding in agreement. By focusing on preparation and genuine engagement, I left a strong impression and earned new customers from the event.
Kenny Dave
CEO, Garage Door Experts & Co.
Tailor Message to Audience Priorities
I remember presenting a proposal to senior leadership for a company-wide initiative to integrate a new project management tool. It was a high-stakes meeting because the decision would impact workflows for hundreds of employees. To prepare, I focused on three key strategies: knowing my audience, structuring the message, and practicing delivery.
First, I researched what mattered most to my audience-cost, time savings, and ease of adoption-and tailored my presentation to address those priorities. The structure was simple but effective: I started with a clear outline of the problem, presented data to support the need for change, demonstrated the tool’s features with a live demo, and ended with projected benefits. I practiced repeatedly, both alone and with colleagues who gave me honest feedback. Visuals were another big part of my prep. I used clear, concise slides with graphs that told the story at a glance, avoiding text overload.
During the presentation, I kept the tone conversational and paused to engage the audience by asking questions. That helped build a connection and showed I was open to input. When the leadership team approved the initiative on the spot, I knew the preparation had paid off. It reinforced the importance of being clear, confident, and relatable when communicating complex ideas.
Runbo Li
Co-Founder & CEO, Magic Hour
Simplify Complex Topics for Diverse Audiences
As an experienced civil trial attorney, public speaking is inherent to my profession, be it in a courtroom setting or presenting at industry conferences. One notable instance was during a medical malpractice seminar I was invited to speak at. My task was to distill complex healthcare litigation terms into simple, comprehensible language for a diverse audience including junior attorneys, healthcare professionals, and potential clients.
In preparation, I focus on three key strategies: understanding the audience profile, thoroughly mastering the subject matter, and incorporating an emotional angle. I spend considerable time researching my audience’s background and tailoring the content to their needs. This is followed by extensive study of the topic to anticipate potential questions or objections. Additionally, introducing real-life anecdotes, such as successful malpractice cases I represented, adds a human element and bolsters my message’s impact. This meticulous preparation ensures my presentations are engaging, informative, and persuasive, fostering a positive and lasting impression.
Scott Distasio
Founder, Distasio
Address Audience Needs With Tailored Solutions
I was tasked with presenting our latest software solution to a group of potential clients. To prepare effectively, I began by thoroughly understanding the audience’s needs and tailoring my presentation to address their specific pain points. I structured the presentation to include a clear introduction, a demonstration of the software’s key features, and a compelling conclusion that highlighted the value it could bring to their businesses.
To ensure a confident delivery, I practiced multiple times, both alone and in front of colleagues, to refine my pacing and address any technical issues. I also employed visual aids, such as slides and live demos, to enhance engagement and reinforce my message. During the presentation, I encouraged questions and interactions, which helped create a dialogue rather than a one-sided pitch.
This approach not only made the presentation more engaging but also allowed me to directly address concerns and demonstrate how our solution could meet their needs. The positive feedback and interest generated from that presentation reinforced the importance of thorough preparation and audience-focused messaging.
Shehar Yar
CEO, Software House
Use Storytelling to Engage and Educate
One memorable experience was presenting at an industry conference. I was thrilled to share insights on “The Art of Storytelling in Business Presentations,” a topic that perfectly aligned with our training programs. Understanding the audience was my first step—I researched their backgrounds and tailored my content to address their specific interests and needs, ensuring the message would resonate deeply.
Preparation was key to delivering an effective presentation. I crafted a compelling narrative that intertwined real-life examples with actionable strategies from our course modules. Designing engaging visuals helped make complex ideas more accessible, while multiple rehearsals allowed me to refine my speech, focusing on intonation and body language to convey confidence. Incorporating interactive elements like polls and Q&A sessions kept the audience engaged and fostered a dynamic learning environment.
During the presentation, I used storytelling to capture attention, balanced pauses and humor to maintain a lively atmosphere, and communicated clearly and confidently throughout. Managing my time effectively and anticipating potential questions ensured a smooth and impactful delivery. The positive feedback I received highlighted how the storytelling approach made the session both memorable and practical. This experience not only enhanced my presentation skills but also reinforced the importance of thorough preparation and authentic connection in public speaking, empowering others through our workshops to communicate their ideas powerfully.
Arnab Ray
CEO, PresentationGFX
Break Down Complex Concepts Into Actionable Insights
When I had to give a presentation at a digital marketing conference, I knew the audience would be a mix of seasoned professionals and newcomers to SEO. My goal was to break down complex SEO concepts into actionable insights while keeping the audience engaged. Preparation was key, and I began by thoroughly researching the attendees’ backgrounds and industry trends. I created a structured outline that addressed their pain points and tailored the content to be both informative and relatable.
To ensure a compelling delivery, I practiced extensively, focusing on clear communication and timing. I also incorporated real-life examples from my own experience, like how we helped a client significantly increase their organic traffic by refining their keyword strategy. This grounded the presentation in practical, real-world results, making it more engaging. Finally, I encouraged audience interaction, using questions to create a dialogue rather than a monologue, which helped keep the energy up and the message resonant.
Brandon Leibowitz
Owner, SEO Optimizers
Use Personal Anecdotes to Enhance Engagement
To give you some context, we have strived to do things differently from our competition since our inception. Rather than just being another firm focused on enterprise-level organizations with massive cybersecurity budgets, we serve the 99% of small- and medium-sized businesses that make up the US marketplace.
However, as this approach is new to many of our employees, we must make sure they share our passion for safeguarding the 99%. When I give presentations to our product marketing teams, I always say we have to live in the real world—not the laboratory! That means encouraging our sales teams to constantly communicate with our customers and partners.
When I give a speech, I need our team to understand that what our customers think is everything to our success. This way, when they travel to a conference, a sales meeting, or a trade show, they can get real-world perspectives on whether our distinct message is getting through to our customers. Plus, we can learn where we’re not hitting the mark.
Cybersecurity is all about facts and figures, but you can only recount so many data points before the message stops getting through. Instead, I’ve found personal anecdotes to be highly effective at making sure a dry message leaves an impression. As I’ve worked in the industry for almost 20 years, I’ve got a huge range of stories to tell that help keep things engaging.
Using visuals is a great way to elevate a speech or presentation. Working in cybersecurity means having a lot of that, it’s on us to transform it into compelling graphs. The key here is to make use of these images as best as possible, really use them to enhance a crucial point rather than scrolling through so many that eventually lose significance.
Presentations are often more effective when the audience gets involved. When I give a speech, I always create time for questions or audience input. Depending on the nature of the speech, going back and forth with the audience during the presentation can make it far more engaging. Plus, sometimes a memorable point is made that gives the audience something special to take with them.
Seth Geftic
Vice President Product Marketing, Huntress
Provide Clear, Actionable Insights
I often find myself presenting our direct mail marketing services to clients and stakeholders. One particular instance that stands out was when I presented our full-service solutions to a group of business owners. My preparation involved understanding the needs of the audience so that I could address their pain points directly. I focus on providing clear, actionable insights that demonstrate how our services—from design to delivery—could solve their challenges and drive better business outcomes. It’s important to tailor the presentation to highlight the specific benefits our services offer, such as enhanced customer engagement and improved ROI.
In addition to preparing content that is both relevant and valuable, I use visual aids and client success stories to strengthen the message. Real-world examples of campaigns we’ve executed effectively demonstrate the tangible results our clients have seen. Rehearsing the key points beforehand helps me stay confident and engage the audience throughout the presentation. By anticipating questions and maintaining an interactive approach, I ensure that the conversation remains dynamic and focused on how our solutions can create real impact for their businesses.
Steve Neher
CEO, Mail King USA
Highlight Key Metrics With Visuals
I once had to give a presentation to a client’s executive team on the results of a recent marketing campaign. Knowing they were primarily concerned with ROI and actionable insights, I prepared by structuring the presentation around the data points that mattered most to them, using visuals to highlight key metrics like conversion rates and lead quality. To make the message more compelling, I wove in short, relatable stories about specific challenges we faced and how we overcame them, which helped the data feel more tangible and engaging.
My preparation strategy includes practicing the presentation in front of a colleague to get feedback on clarity and pacing, and anticipating potential questions so I can answer confidently. I also prepare a few open-ended questions to engage the audience, making the session feel more interactive and tailored to their interests. These strategies not only help me feel prepared but also keep the presentation focused on delivering real value to the audience.
Andrew Lee Jenkins
Owner, Andrew Lee Jenkins
Engage Audience With Storytelling
I’ve had lots of public speaking experience throughout my career, even in the early stages when I used to work as an educator for the program that taught the basics of entrepreneurship. Now that I run my own company, I regularly use my public speaking skills to pitch investors and address my team.
My strategy revolves around storytelling. I believe this is the most effective way of presenting information, so that it is both engaging and on-point. First, I define the key message I want to get across, and then I build my speech around it. I try to start with a gripping opening. Whether it’s shocking or funny, the first sentence is meant to get the audience’s attention. Then, I briefly describe my main message. And after that, I go more in-depth with the details. It’s also important to throw in anecdotes and examples that would keep your listeners engaged.
Additionally, try to involve the audience into your speech. You can do it in the form of asking listeners questions or, on the contrary, encouraging them to ask questions. With the former, it’s nice to find out more about some of the audience members and integrate their experiences into your speech to make a stronger point that they can identify with.
Dmytro Tymoshenko
CEO of Noiz, Noiz
Simplify AI Concepts With Real-World Applications
I recently had to present our new AI-driven marketing strategy to many clients. Knowing that AI can be intimidating, I focused on simplifying concepts and showing real-world applications rather than technical jargon. My strategy was to start with a relatable story about how AI helped a small retail client improve customer engagement by 40%, which set the tone and made the topic approachable.
To prepare, I mapped out key points, rehearsed with team members for feedback, and used visuals to keep the presentation engaging. I learned that connecting complex topics to real stories helps people understand-and even get excited about-new technology.
Victor Julio Coupé
Partnerships Manager, Digital Web Solutions
Focus on Skills Over Resumes
During a launch presentation for our self-made tool, Toggl Hire, I discussed how hiring has to evolve to focus on skills rather than resumes, especially in tech. The reaction was powerful-people realized they could change how they approach hiring to be more inclusive. The energy in the room was incredible, and it showed me that people are ready for new perspectives on traditional processes.
I rehearse with trusted colleagues who aren’t afraid to give honest feedback on what works and what doesn’t—especially when it comes to clarity and engagement. Their input helps me refine my delivery and find the balance between professional insights and genuine connection. Practicing with others gives me confidence and helps iron out any weak spots.
Alari Aho
CEO and Founder, Toggl Inc
Inspire Students With Personal Stories
I had the opportunity to speak to a group of law students about personal injury law and the real impact we can make in people’s lives. The challenge was keeping it both informative and inspiring, so they left feeling motivated rather than overwhelmed by the field’s demands. That experience reminded me of the power of personal stories in showing the profound difference we can make for clients.
I focus first on understanding the audience—whether they’re legal professionals, clients, or students-and adapt my approach to meet them where they are. I break down complex topics into relatable parts, using real-life examples that resonate on a human level. This connection through shared experience is key to making sure the message sticks.
Jason B. Javaheri
Co-Founder & Co-CEO, J&Y Law
Touch Hearts With Patient Stories
About a month ago, I spoke at a conference about improving access to mental health care, which is a topic I feel very passionate about. While preparing, I decided to ensure that the message should touch hearts; using real stories of patients whose life had been benefited with accessible and compassionate care. Instead, I focused on raising awareness of the urgent need for systemic changes via a narrative that appealed to the widest audience possible, from the policymakers to the frontline healthcare workers.
So I rehearsed with a couple small groups and sharpened my message to be clear, civil, and a call to action. And that is what I was trying to do—emotionally touch people to feel motivated to make a change—anchored between hard data and human stories. For example, this led to a very strong reaction to the analysis, and many health care leaders feeling inspired to carry this forward.
Sean Smith
CEO & Ex Head of HR, Alpas Wellness
Pack Presentation With Tactical Advice
I’ve given several keynotes at e-commerce conferences. While I enjoy the motivational talks, I often leave disappointed that I really didn’t learn anything tactical that I can take with me to help my business. Then, there are those talks that focus on one key tactical approach. That is okay, but I still leave without feeling that there was enough value. Thus, in putting together the public speaking talks that I have done, I try to pack in as many tactical pieces of advice and experience that I can.
While general speaking philosophy is to limit the topics so you can drive one thing home, I give the audience more credit, and try to give them as many ideas as can fit into the allotted time. To help with this, there are video aids I use (when available), anecdotal stories, and other tactics to have those tactical items become more memorable.
Paul Shrater
Founder – Ecommerce / 3pl / Manufacturing / Marketing, PaulShrater.com
