21 Ways to Create Powerful Presentations

Free Reference Guide

21 Ways to Create Powerful Presentations

By Jess Todtfeld, CSP · President, Success In Media, Inc. · successinmedia.com

Lead with your conclusion State your key point first. Build from there. Audiences tune in at the start.

3 to 5 Core Messages, No More Audiences remember a handful of things. Choose yours deliberately before you build a single slide.

Open with a moment, not your name A story, a striking stat, or a vivid scene pulls them in faster than any introduction.

One idea per slide Complexity on screen competes with your voice. Give each idea its own space.

Run the "So what?" test For every slide: what does this mean to them? Cut it if you cannot answer that question.

The Less Words the Better Nobody shows up to a speech or presentation wishing to be read to. Less words and more stories and examples.

Make eye contact before you speak A beat of silence before your first word establishes authority instantly.

Pause before key points Space gives weight to what follows. Let the pause do the work, not more words.

Build one story around one message A well-placed story makes data stick for weeks. Tie it tightly to your core message.

Anchor with one number Give them one statistic to walk away with. Make it concrete, and let it stand alone.

Address the big concern early Name the objection before they can raise it. It reads as confidence, not defensiveness.

Start where the audience is Match their energy first. Then lift the room. Jumping ahead loses people fast.

Rehearse by Recording Yourself Using a mirror doesn't work. You'll be trying to analyze yourself in the moment. Video recordings are more powerful for making change.

Have Style and Substance This is what you're looking for on video as you rehearse. Both are required for doing a great job.

Track and eliminate your filler words Um, uh, you know. Identify yours specifically. Awareness is the first step to removing them.

Build in the rule of three Three examples, three benefits, three reasons. It is the structure your audience already expects.

End with a single, clear call to action What do you want them to do next? Say it once, plainly, and stop there.

Dress one level above the room It signals you took the moment seriously before you say a single word.

Prepare for the three hardest questions Know your toughest potential Q&A challenges before you walk in. Practice them cold.

Arrive early and own the room Presence is established before you speak. Be settled when others are still arriving.

Know your opening 30 seconds cold The first moments should require zero thought. That confidence sets the tone for everything after.

Jess Todtfeld, CSP · President, Success In Media, Inc.
successinmedia.com · (646) 233-1424 · 295 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10017

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How do you make a presentation more powerful?

The fastest way is to decide your 3 to 5 core messages before you build a single slide, open with a moment instead of your name, and rehearse on video so you can see what the audience sees. The 21 techniques above cover message structure, slide design, delivery, and Q&A preparation, and each one can be applied to a presentation you already have on the calendar.

Frequently asked questions

Who is this presentation guide for?

It is written for executives, founders, and senior leaders who present at high-stakes moments: board meetings, investor pitches, keynotes, and all-hands presentations. The 21 techniques work for any presenter who wants to be more clear and confident.

How should I use the 21 techniques?

Print the sheet or save it as a PDF, then review it while you build your next presentation. Start with your 3 to 5 core messages, apply the structure tips as you create slides, and use the delivery tips as you rehearse on video.

What if I want help applying these to a specific presentation?

Jess Todtfeld coaches executives one-on-one and in teams. Use the chat assistant on this page, request a quote, or book a 15-minute call with Jess to talk through your situation.

Want these techniques applied to your next big presentation?

Get a Quick Quote Book a 15-Min Call

Prefer email or phone? [email protected] · (646) 233-1424