The guide for your next presentation (even if your heart is pounding!)
13. Aug 2025
Want to rock your next presentation and captivate your audience? Discover proven strategies and practical tips that will turn you into a presentation pro. If that's what you want, this blog post is perfect for achieving your goals and standing on stage with confidence!
Do you remember the last time you stood in front of an audience? Was it a feeling of thrill, excitement and the desire to make a difference? Or rather a mixture of stage fright, trembling knees and the inner urge to sink into the ground? Don't worry, you're not alone! Presentations can be a rollercoaster of emotions. But imagine if you could tame those feelings, turn the excitement into energy and turn your presentation into an experience that will thrill you and your audience alike.
Phase 1: Preparation is the be-all and end-all
- Discover your passion: Why are you passionate about this topic? What fascinates you about it? What do you really want to share with others? If you know your passion, it will be palpable in your presentation and engage your audience.
- Understand your audience: Who will listen to you? What are their interests, their level of knowledge, their expectations? Adapt your content, your language and your style to your audience. The better you understand them, the easier it will be for you to connect with them.
- Storytelling: Facts are important, but stories are memorable. Tell anecdotes, share personal experiences, use metaphors and comparisons. Make your presentation lively and emotional.
- Visualization as a mental dress rehearsal: Close your eyes and imagine how your presentation will go. Visualize every step, from your confident performance to the enthusiastic applause at the end. This mental dress rehearsal boosts your self-confidence and prepares you perfectly.
- The perfect setting: Rehearse your presentation in the environment in which you will be giving it (if possible). Familiarize yourself with the technology, check the acoustics and adjust the lighting. The more comfortable you feel in the environment, the more relaxed you will be.
- Practice makes perfect: practise your presentation until you feel confident. But avoid memorizing it. Instead, concentrate on the key messages and the structure. Vary your wording, play with your voice, improvise. The more flexible you are, the more authentic you will come across.
Phase 2: In the spotlight
- The breath as an anchor: Before you start, take a few deep, conscious breaths. Concentrate on your breath to center and calm yourself.
- First impressions count: Start with a smile, a friendly greeting and a short introduction to pique the audience's interest. Introduce yourself, briefly explain what your presentation is about and what the audience can expect.
- Eye contact as a bridge to the audience: Make eye contact with individual people in the audience. Smile at them, nod at them, show interest in their reactions. Imagine you are having a personal conversation with each and every one of them. This creates a connection and makes your presentation more lively.
- The power of body language: Pay attention to your posture, gestures and facial expressions. Stand up straight, but not stiffly. Move, but not aimlessly. Use your hands to emphasize your words, but don't overdo it.
- Your voice as an instrument: vary the volume, tempo, emphasis and melody. Speak clearly and understandably. Take pauses to let the audience think and let your words sink in.
- Interaction is the key to success: Involve your audience! Ask questions, initiate discussions, incorporate small exercises. Let the audience join in and actively participate. This keeps attention levels high and makes your presentation more interactive and entertaining.
Phase 3: Dealing with mistakes with confidence
- Humor as a means of relaxation: Take mistakes with humor. Laugh about it, make a joke, show that you don't take the situation too seriously. This lightens the atmosphere and makes you more likeable.
- Correct yourself, but not for too long: If you make a mistake, correct it briefly and precisely. Don't get lost in long apologies or explanations. This only distracts and interrupts the flow of your presentation.
- Improvisation as a strength: If something doesn't go according to plan, improvise! Be flexible and creative. Use the situation as an opportunity to try something new and show your spontaneity.
- Stay calm and composed: Take a deep breath, concentrate on the essentials and get on with it. Don't let mistakes throw you off track. The audience will thank you if you remain confident and professional.
Phase 4: After the applause
- Feedback as a gift: Ask friends, colleagues or even the audience for feedback. What was good? What could be improved? Be open to criticism and see feedback as an opportunity to develop yourself further.
- Self-reflection: Reflect on your own presentation. What worked well? What worked less well? What would you do differently next time? Analyze your strengths and weaknesses in order to continuously improve.
- Celebrate your successes: No matter how it went, you dared to do it! You left your comfort zone, shared your message and learned something. Be proud of yourself and your achievement!
Relaxed presenting is an art that can be learned. It requires preparation, practice, courage and a willingness to put yourself out there. But it's also an incredibly rewarding experience that will help you personally and professionally. So, get out there, rock the stage and let your voice be heard!
We wish you every success with your next presentation! With these tips, you'll be more than perfectly prepared 😊
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My name is Kim and I'm currently supporting the HR marketing team as part of my apprenticeship as an e-commerce clerk at BAUR.
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