As the year winds down, many leaders start thinking about what they want to do differently – or better – in the year ahead.
And when it comes to presenting, it’s rarely the big, dramatic changes that elevate your impact. It’s the subtle, almost invisible habits that great presenters practise consistently.
These are the small tweaks that shape how your audience feels, listens, and responds – whether you’re presenting to your team, a senior leadership group, or a room full of clients.
So, here are ten small shifts that can make a surprisingly big difference.
1. They pause… more than you expect
Strong presenters give their audience space to breathe.
A well-timed pause gives weight to your message, helps your audience absorb it, and lets you stay in control instead of rushing ahead.
2. They start before they speak
Great presenters settle themselves before the first word leaves their mouth.
Feet planted, shoulders relaxed, breath steady.
This tiny moment of stillness signals credibility from the outset.
3. They make eye contact with purpose
It’s not about scanning the room.
It’s about landing on one person for a full idea, then moving on.
This helps your message feel more like a series of meaningful conversations, not a broadcast.
4. They gesture with intention
Not big, theatrical movements – just clean, purposeful gestures that match what they’re saying.
The alignment between words and movement makes their message clearer and more trustworthy.
5. They speak slightly slower than feels natural
When you slow your pace just a touch, you sound more confident, more considered, and more in control.
It also gives your audience time to process what matters.
6. They let their facial expressions do some of the work
A small smile when making a welcoming point.
Raised eyebrows when introducing something surprising.
A look of empathy when addressing concerns.
Subtle? Yes. But these cues help your audience connect with you on a human level.
7. They use the room intentionally
No pacing. No drifting.
Just deliberate movement to support key moments – stepping towards the audience to emphasise something important, or stepping to the side to signal a transition.
8. They check in with the audience – without saying “Any questions?”
Great presenters read the room.
They pause and look.
They say things like, “Let me know if you’d like an example here,” or “I can slow this down if helpful.”
It keeps the audience engaged and shows you’re genuinely paying attention.
9. They tidy up their language
Cutting out filler words (“so, um, basically”) makes a noticeable difference.
So does choosing simpler words when presenting complex ideas.
Clarity always wins.
10. They end cleanly – not suddenly
Great presenters don’t trail off.
They wrap up with a summarising sentence, a reinforcing point, or a clear next step… and then stop.
It leaves the audience with a sense of confidence and completion.
A small shift today = a stronger presenter tomorrow
You don’t need a complete overhaul to elevate how you present.
Often, focusing on just one subtle habit each month is enough to build real momentum – especially at this time of year, when people are naturally reflecting and resetting.
And if you’d like support refining your team’s presentation skills, our Presentation Skills training helps leaders present with clarity, confidence, and practical techniques they can apply straight away. Get in touch to find out more.
