Let's make better presentations!

We’ve all sat through forgettable presentations—overloaded slides, endless bullet points and possibly speakers who read from their screens. But the best presentations? They do more than just share information—they tell a story, create connection, and drive action.

So, how do you move from just presenting data and running the risk of boring your audience, to delivering a message that sticks?

Fear not! Here’s how to approach every presentation in a way that will connect, captivate and persuade your audience.

1. Start with the Story, Not the Slides

Of course I start with story, are you surprised? Before you even open PowerPoint or whatever tool you are using, ask yourself these essential questions:

  • What’s the one key message I want my audience to remember?

  • Why should they care?

  • What action do I want them to take?

You see, far too often, presentations are built around slides first, story second.

Flip that. Your slides should serve your story, not the other way around. As I always say to my clients, you are the BOSS of your slides, not th eother way around…

💡 Try this: Outline your presentation without slides first. Craft a narrative arc—set up the problem, introduce insights, and end with a clear resolution. Then, and only then, build your slides to support that story.

2. Know Your Audience (And Speak Their Language)

A great presentation isn’t about what you want to say—it’s about what your audience needs to hear.

  • Are they decision-makers who want big-picture takeaways?

  • Do they respond better to data or stories?

  • What’s their biggest pain point, and how does your message solve it?

💡 Tip: Tailor your language, examples, and visuals to match your audience’s world. The more relevant your message, the more engaged they’ll be.

3. The Rule of Three: Make It Memorable

Ever noticed that the most powerful speeches and presentations are built around three key ideas? That’s because our brains love patterns and simplicity.

  • Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone by saying it was “a widescreen iPod, a revolutionary phone, and a breakthrough internet communicator.”

  • TED Talks are structured to deliver one big idea, supported by three key insights.

  • And De La Soul told us that ‘Three is the magic number”

💡 How to apply this: Instead of overwhelming your audience with 10+ points, break your message into three core takeaways. Less is more. Remember the confused mind always says NO.

4. Visuals That Work (Not Overwhelm)

Your slides are not your script. They should enhance your message, not compete with it. Each slide has a purpose and should pass what Nancy Duarte (My all time favourite teacher) calles ‘The Glance Test’.

  • Use more images, fewer words. One powerful image can say more than a paragraph of text.

  • Ditch the bullet-point overload. If you have to say it and show it, the slide is too crowded.

  • Highlight key numbers. If you’re presenting data, make sure your audience instantly sees the takeaway.

💡 Rule of thumb: If your audience can read your slide instead of listening to you, you’ve lost them.

5. Deliver With Confidence (Even If You Hate Public Speaking)

Great delivery isn’t about being the loudest person in the room—it’s about being clear, engaging, and authentic.

  • Pause for impact. Silence is a tool, not an awkward gap. Use it to emphasise key points.

  • Vary your tone and pace. A monotone voice puts people to sleep.

  • Make eye contact. Even in virtual presentations, looking into the camera builds connection.

💡 Practice tip: Instead of memorizing your entire talk, memorize your key transitions. If you know how to flow from one idea to the next, you’ll sound natural and confident.

The Bottom Line: It’s Not About What You Say—It’s About What They Remember

A powerful presentation isn’t about more slides, more data, or more words.

It’s about telling a story that sticks—one that makes your audience think, feel, and act.

So before your next presentation, ask yourself: Am I just presenting information, or am I telling a story that matters?

** At welltold, crafting incredible presentations is one of our most favourite things to do. If you need help, please let us know!

Sally Murphypresentation skills, leadership communications, Communication skills