5 Presentation tips from Professionals

Public speaking is an important skill for professionals. It is also a difficult skill to master. Many fear public speaking and find it difficult to engage and perform for an audience. At VideoScribe we understand the importance of honing these skills and feeling comfortable and confident when faced with a presentation. This is why we have gathered five quotes from famous and notable professionals to help inspire you in your next presentation. 

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“All the great speakers were bad speakers at first.” 

 - Ralph Waldo Emerson.

American writer Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote this in an 1860 essay on ‘Power’. This quote serves as motivation for those struggling or just starting on their public speaking journey. Presentation skills are something that will improve with practice and everyone can relate to feeling nervous or stumbling when they are setting out. When it comes to refining your presentation skills, It's important to stick to it and understand that it is a learning process and will require time to establish. 

If you have an important point to make, don’t try to be subtle or clever. Use a pile driver. Hit the point once. Then come back and hit it again. Then hit it a third time – a tremendous whack.” 

-Winston Churchill

This is a quote from famed British Prime Minister Winston Churchill about presentation structure. When a point is sufficiently important, you cannot afford to allow the vagueness of subtly or clever phrasing obscure your true intent. When your point is that important, use a ‘pile driver’. Be direct and forceful with these points to make sure you are clearly understood.

 “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.” 

-  Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein’s quote emphasizes the importance of clear and simple communication. As a public speaker, it’s important to be able to break down complex ideas in a way that is easy for your audience to understand, therefore your own understanding of the topic or message is paramount.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

- Maya Angelou

This quote from activist and writer Maya Angelou highlights the importance of connecting and engaging with your audience. Individuals may not remember exactly what you said in your speech word-for-word, but with the use of language, painting pictures, ethos, and pathos, people will remember how they felt during it. Effective communication is not just about what you say, but how you say it, and connecting with your audience on an emotional level will make them feel heard and understood.

“The most powerful person in the world is the storyteller. The storyteller sets the vision, values, and agenda of an entire generation that is to come.”

- Steve Jobs

Apple visionary Steve Jobs underscores the transformative power of storytelling in public speaking in this quote. Crafting a compelling narrative can make your message memorable and impactful. Jobs was a master storyteller as is evident from his iconic presentations and product unveilings.

We hope you feel inspired by these quotations. Consider these next time you are preparing for your next presentation or public speaking event to help improve your skills. 

What motivates you when you are preparing for a presentation? What’s the best advice you have been given on public speaking? Let us know in the comments below!