Public speaking can feel like a high-stakes performance, but here’s a secret: great presenters aren’t born—they’re made. They follow a set of tried-and-true strategies that consistently wow audiences, hold attention, and drive action. Whether you’re prepping for a big pitch, a team update, or a keynote address, adopting these 10 habits can dramatically boost your impact.
Let’s dive into the 10 things great presenters always do—and how you can start doing them today.
Every great presentation begins with one crystal-clear question: “What’s the one thing I want my audience to remember?” Instead of overloading slides with multiple ideas, effective presenters craft a focused message that guides the flow of their entire talk. This helps ensure the audience walks away with a clear takeaway, which increases information retention by up to 20%, according to cognitive psychology research.
The best presenters know that slides aren’t a script—they’re a visual aid. Studies show that visuals are processed 60,000 times faster than text, and audiences retain 65% of visual content three days later, compared to just 10% for spoken words.
Your opening sets the tone. Great presenters avoid the “Hi, my name is…” trap and instead kick off with a story, question, or surprising fact. For example, saying “Did you know the average human attention span is now shorter than a goldfish’s—just 8.25 seconds?” instantly captures curiosity.
One way to keep things dynamic? Use animated charts or PowerPoint templates to make even the driest metrics feel interactive and alive.
Storytelling isn’t just for TED Talks. The human brain is wired for narrative. Whether you’re delivering a quarterly update or pitching a product, using a story arc—beginning, conflict, resolution—can increase engagement by up to 22 times, according to a Stanford study. That’s why top presenters use storyboarding techniques to structure their decks with clarity and flow.
Clutter kills. The best presenters follow the “1-6-6 rule”—1 idea per slide, no more than 6 bullets, and no more than 6 words per bullet. This keeps attention where it should be: on the speaker and the message.
Winging it is not a strategy. Great presenters practice aloud, rehearse transitions, and even record themselves to fine-tune timing and body language. According to a Prezi study, 70% of professionals say presentation skills are critical to career success, yet most people don’t rehearse enough. Aim for at least three full run-throughs before showtime.
Words make up only a small part of communication. According to research by Dr. Albert Mehrabian, 55% of meaning comes from body language, 38% from tone of voice, and only 7% from actual words. Great presenters stand tall, use open gestures, and make intentional eye contact to reinforce their message.
Engagement isn’t optional—it’s essential. Great presenters break the fourth wall by asking questions, prompting a show of hands, or incorporating interactive visuals. Harvard research shows that interactivity boosts attention span and comprehension, especially during presentations longer than 10 minutes.
Strong presenters don’t fear questions—they invite them. They prep answers to expected objections, clarify confusion without getting defensive, and stay cool under pressure. A good trick? Repeat the question before answering to ensure clarity and buy yourself a few extra seconds to think.
You’ve made it to the end—but so what? Great presenters don’t trail off; they finish strong with a call to action, a quote, or a memorable takeaway. Studies show that audiences are most likely to remember the first and last things they hear. That’s why crafting a powerful closing is just as important as your opening.
Want to leave your audience inspired? There are many compelling, predesigned free PowerPoint templates collections to choose from that can help you look polished without spending hours on design.
There are many compelling, predesigned free conclusion slides available in PowerPoint template collections that help you look polished without spending hours on design.
Great presentations aren’t about flashy gimmicks or being a natural-born speaker—they’re about mastering a set of simple, repeatable behaviors. By starting with purpose, telling a story, using visuals wisely, and practicing intentionally, you can elevate your presentation game immediately.
You don’t need to reinvent the wheel—you just need to copy what the best presenters already do.
Now it’s your turn. Which of these habits will you apply in your next presentation?