Practical Resources for Better Presentations

Short insights, tools and examples to help you move from nerves and preparation through to confident, compelling communication.

And avoid being boring!

 

 

This is your hub for practical resources to help you become a clearer, calmer and more confident communicator.

Whether you're preparing for a major presentation, leading a meeting, pitching an idea or simply wanting to feel more comfortable speaking in front of others, you'll find useful tools here.

Think of this page as a journey.

We start with the foundations — managing nerves and thinking clearly under pressure. From there we explore how to structure ideas and use story so your message actually lands. Then we look at delivering presentations confidently, handling difficult questions, and developing the presence that makes people want to listen.

Take what’s useful, experiment with the ideas, and see what works for you.

Thinking Under Pressure

Managing nerves and staying clear-headed

The goal isn’t to eliminate nerves,  it’s to manage them so your thinking stays clear and your message comes across.
 
In this section you’ll find short videos, blog articles and extracts from my book exploring:
  • Why nerves are usually a thinking issue, not a confidence flaw
  • Practical techniques for staying calm under pressure
  • How to think clearly when the spotlight is on you
  • Why some nerves can actually help your performance

Resources include:

Short video guides 
Breathing and other tips to reduce anxiety. https://youtu.be/9M6JUjB_7WU
Overcoming nerves TED talk https://youtu.be/aImrjNPrh30

Blog posts on managing nerves
https://standupanddeliver.co.uk/blog/5-techniques-reducing-presentation-...
https://standupanddeliver.co.uk/blog/erm-human
https://standupanddeliver.co.uk/blog/how-do-you-win-back-audience
https://standupanddeliver.co.uk/blog/buried
https://standupanddeliver.co.uk/blog/impostor-syndrome-rude-motivational...

Extracts from Virtual Presentation Mastery 
Chapter on Nerves

Structure & Story

Turning ideas into messages people understand

Many presentations struggle not because the ideas are weak, but because the structure is unclear.
This section explores how to organise ideas and use story so your audience understands what matters.
 
You’ll learn how to:
  • Structure presentations so people follow your thinking
  • Use storytelling to make ideas memorable
  • Simplify complex information without dumbing it down
  • Move from “information overload” to meaningful communication

Resources include:

Blog articles on storytelling and presentation structure
https://standupanddeliver.co.uk/blog/simple-story-trick-makes-you-instan...
https://standupanddeliver.co.uk/blog/rule-3
https://standupanddeliver.co.uk/blog/how-do-you-deliver-speech-no-prep

Short Video Guide:
Short promo on power of stories https://youtu.be/z6K2flC-gRg

Frameworks from Virtual Presentation Mastery
Structuring Your Presentation

Real presentation examples
Sir Ken Robinson’s “Do Schools Kill Creativity” TED talk. Watch his use of storytelling https://youtu.be/iG9CE55wbtY
Luvvie Ajayi Jones “Get Comfortable with being Uncomfortable” The power of the micro story https://youtu.be/QijH4UAqGD8
How to have a good conversation. Simple story telling with a punch by Celeste Headlee https://youtu.be/H6n3iNh4XLI

Virtual & In-Person Presenting

Communicating effectively in the room and on screen

Presenting on Zoom, Teams or hybrid platforms requires slightly different skills from presenting in person.
 
Here you’ll find practical tips to help you:
• Create presence on camera
• Engage remote audiences
• Use slides effectively
• Keep energy and clarity in virtual environments
 

Resources include:

Virtual presentation tips
Keeping them engaging https://youtu.be/PE7sxUMk3To
Grabbing Your Audience https://youtu.be/68FcR632-Os
When it goes wrong https://youtu.be/nOsXf_N5oPc
 
In person presentation tips
Confidence is over-rated, focus on connection https://standupanddeliver.co.uk/blog/confidence-overrated-–-focus-connection-instead
 
Blog posts on remote presenting
 
Blog post on face to face
On body language https://standupanddeliver.co.uk/blog/how-comedian’s-body-language-wins-over-audience
 
Extracts from Virtual Presentation Mastery
 
Video examples of strong delivery
Voice and Delivery https://youtu.be/KIDLkhp9lUI
 

Handling Questions & Challenge

Staying calm and credible when challenged

Some of the most important moments in a presentation happen after you finish speaking.
This section explores how to handle questions, objections and challenge without becoming defensive or losing control of the room.
 
Topics include:
  • Thinking clearly when challenged
  • Answering difficult questions
  • Handling interruptions or “hecklers”
  • Turning objections into useful discussion
 

Resources include:

Blog posts on handling challenge
https://standupanddeliver.co.uk/blog/using-improv-skills-–-answering-those-difficult-questions
 
Video examples of effective responses
• Steve Jobs accepts and builds into answering a difficult. He accepts and builds. First going against his instincts to try and silence the questioner, then building on the question to land his point. https://youtu.be/oeqPrUmVz-o
 
• How to deal with difficult people with Jay Johnson. Often it’s not the actual question, it’s the clash of peronsalities that is the problem. https://youtu.be/kARkOdRHaj8
 
• And here’s the wonderful Scott Bennett – for my money the best comedian there is when it comes to audience work. https://youtu.be/ffZhjSdu9cY
 

The Charismatic Executive Presenter

Developing presence, energy and connection

Charisma in presentations is often misunderstood.
It isn’t about being louder, more confident or more theatrical.
It’s about clarity, authenticity and connection.
This section explores how leaders develop presence that feels natural and credible.
 
Topics include:
  • Body language and physical presence
  • Communicating with energy and conviction
  • Building connection with an audience
  • Speaking in a way that feels like yourself

Resources:

Blog posts:
 
Videos
Speaking with energy and passion: https://youtu.be/qLdM7s3xZsE
One of the secrets to being a great speaker. Being clear on what you want to say and where you want to shine your light https://youtu.be/MT2q1YKZQPE
How to be confident when you’re not https://youtu.be/eVFzbxmKNUw
And a great one from my mate Mark Bowden – The Importance of Being Inauthentic https://youtu.be/rk_SMBIW1mg
 

Downloads & Practical Tools

A Gentle Next Step

If communication is something you’re actively working on right now, you may find a Presentation Impact Audit useful.
 
It’s a short, focused conversation to explore:
  • where communication is already working well
  • where things may be getting in the way
  • and what could make the biggest difference.

Book a 15-Minute Presentation Impact Audit
No pressure,  just a useful conversation.