Why Team Presentations Fail (and How to Avoid These 5 Mistakes)

It takes a village to deliver a winning team presentation. Simply assembling a group of strong individual speakers doesn’t automatically create a strong team. In fact, even the most talented presenters can miss the mark if they don’t understand the rules of engagement.

Here are the top five mistakes teams make—and how to avoid them:

1. No Rehearsal

Too often, presenters practice their parts in isolation. But practicing alone is not the same as a team rehearsal. A successful presentation depends on timing, coordination, and flow, which can only be achieved through group practice. Lack of time is not an excuse— even a conference call can serve as a rehearsal. The best teams rehearse out loud, as a group, and time themselves.

2. Lack of Leadership

Every team presentation needs a leader or facilitator. This person sets the tone, introduces team members, outlines the agenda, and manages questions. Without a leader, team members appear to speak in silos, disconnected from one another. The leader ensures coordination, smooth transitions, time management, and handles any glitches. Strong leadership equals a seamless presentation.

3. Weak Transitions

Transitions are the thread that holds a team presentation together. Without them, speakers stop abruptly, leaving the next presenter to stumble in with an awkward, “I think Ann goes next.” Planned handoffs—like passing the baton in a relay—create flow, continuity, and professionalism.

4. Ignoring Team Dynamics

Remember, you’re always on stage. Team members who slouch, whisper, or look disengaged while others are speaking send the wrong message. Instead, sit upright, maintain eye contact with the audience, and occasionally glance at your teammates. Show through your body language that you are part of a united team.

5. Messy Q&A

Even a strong presentation can unravel during the question-and-answer session. Teams sometimes talk over each other, contradict answers, or leave a colleague stranded when they stumble. A polished team anticipates questions in advance, decides who will address which topics, and supports one another. If a teammate struggles, jump in gracefully with, “If I can add to what Jack is saying…” That’s what teamwork looks like.

A team is only as strong as its weakest link. When a team prepares together, aligns around a consistent message, and rehearses as a unit, the audience experiences more than just good individual presentations. They see—and feel—the power of a unified team.

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How to Hire A Top Executive Speech Coach

Are you or your organization looking for an executive speech coach but don’t know where to start? Before you begin a search it’s important to know the difference between a presentation trainer and executive speech coach. An executive speech coach functions as a trusted advisor who can advise on strategy.  A top coach will improve executive presence, communication, and influence.

 Consider these 6 steps when hiring an executive speech coach:

1. Identify Your Needs

Be clear about  your needs and outcomes before you begin a search. What is your desired outcome for the individual or team?

·        Types of presentations:  Will the coach work on keynote speeches, investor presentations, board communication, media interviews, or day-to-day executive presence?

• Scope of the engagement  Is this a long-term, on-going  development or preparation for a specific event?

• Format:  Will you need one-on-one coaching, team workshops, or a combination?

2. Know The Qualities of a Top Coach

The top executive speech coaches usually have:

• Deep executive experience – Make sure they’ve worked with C-suite leaders

• Proven track record – Where have they worked? Look for testimonials, case studies, or clients from Fortune 500, or global companies. What is the evidence of their thought leadership? Have they written a book?

• Media & high-pressure expertise – Can they prepare you for investor calls, media appearances, or crisis communication?

• Tailored methodology – Coaching is customized, not “off-the-shelf” public speaking tips.

• Chemistry & confidentiality – Chemistry is key. One size doesn’t fit all regardless of the skills and experience of the coach. It must be a trusted relationship  since sensitive strategic conversations may surface. Schedule a brief “chemistry “ meeting to get to know the coach.

3. How to Conduct a Search for Top Executive Coaches

• Referrals –  The best way to find a coach is to ask those you trust for names.  Board members, CEOs, or leadership consultants. The top coaches often build their business by referral. Contact the HR department if you work for a large company.

• Professional networks – CEO peer groups (YPO, Vistage, WPO EO,), executive search firms, or leadership development firms often have trusted coaches on call.

• Speaking bureaus & leadership forums – They often represent high-profile speakers many of whom are also coaches. There are also boutique coaching firms that provide executive coaches.

• Direct outreach – AI can provide a list of top 20 executive coaches which you’ll need to vet. The benefit of AI is you can narrow your search by creating a prompt to find a coach with your specific requirements. Many top coaches who are authors or who appear in media interviews work independently and can be contacted directly.

4. The Vetting Process

Some considerations when interviewing coaches:

• Experience: Who have you worked with at the executive level? What industries?

• Approach: What’s your process? Do you use video feedback, analytics, or psychological frameworks?

• Outcomes: Can you share examples where your coaching changed how a leader was perceived or influenced business outcomes?

• Fit: How do you ensure your coaching aligns with my company culture and leadership style?

5. Pricing & Engagement Models

The investment for executive speech coaches can vary widely.

• Hourly rate for seasoned professionals.   

• Package rate for long-term engagements or high-profile event prep.  

• Retainer models for ongoing advisory relationships.                                     

6. Red Flags

These are some warning signs that the coach hasn’t worked with executives:

• Generic “public speaking tips” with no executive-level nuance.

• Overemphasis on performance rather than authentic leadership.

• No clear measurement of progress.

• Lack of confidentiality or professionalism.

Most top organizations invest in executive coaching for their leaders because it increases their confidence and leadership within the company, eases the onboarding proess, builds the company brand, and provides a competitive edge for the organization.

If you’re looking to work with a top executive speech coach contact me:

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Public Speaking: From Boring to Brilliant

Can you stand to attend one more boring presentation? Did you ever wonder why there are so many boring presentations? Is there something in the water? Is it genetic? Is there any hope for public speakers who bore the audience? The good news is yes. You don’t have to be boring. Gifted speakers are born but effective speakers are made.  Here’s how to go from boring to brilliant.

1. Change your mindset: From Data Dump to Impact

Boring: Speaker-centered. This is the biggest mistake. The presentation focuses on what the speaker wants to talk about.

Brilliant: Listener-Centered. The focus is on the audience. The presenter speaks to the self interests of the listeners. Start with what the audience cares about. It It’s not about you. It’s about them!

2. Clarity and Structure

Boring: Rambling and unfocused message. There doesn’t seem to be a destination.

Brilliant: Presents a logical, sequence and structure with a clear opening, key points, and conclusion. Good delivery sits on structure. Build the foundation for your messages.

3.Storytelling

Boring: Recites, facts, data, and statistics. The audience will tune out early when the content is only about data.

Brilliant: Tells stories to communicate information and adds metaphors, analogies and examples to add color to the message and bring it to life. People remember stories over facts. Stories convey emotion and the audience sees themselves in the story. The most brilliant speakers are storytellers.

4.Body language and Executive Presence

Boring: Stiff fidgeting, slouching, looking down, slumping shoulders, stays planted behind the lectern, paces back and forth.

Brilliant: Smiling, straight posture, direct eye contact with different people in the room, working the room with purposeful movement and energy.. Puncutuates a point with appropriate gestures.

5. Vocal Variety

Boring: Monotone, soft spoken, voice trails off at the end of a sentence, slow pace.

Brilliant: Experiments with pitch, alternates volume, pauses for effect. Uses longer pauses for dramatic impact. Changes the pacing. Uses different voices when playing a role. Masters the pause and is not afraid of silence.

6.Audience Engagement

Boring: Talking head. Talks at the audience.

Brilliant: Connects. Talks with the audience. Is present in the moment and not afraid to go off script. Incorporates what happens in the room. Asks questions and challenges the audience.

7. Authenticity and Passion

Boring: Memorizes a speech and sounds scripted or rehearsed. May sound detached.

Brilliant: Speaks with heart, passion, and conviction. Not afraid to show emotion. They engage in self-disclosure which builds trust. Is true to their own style and doesn’t try to mimic another type of speaker. They care more about the audience than they do about their performance.

In summary, a boring speaker simply informs. A brilliant speaker transforms.

What is the lesson? Click here to find out.

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5 Ways Leaders Use AI to Communicate with Confidence

How do you integrate new technologies into your everyday communication and do it with confidence?

Even the best written messages won’t land unless they’re delivered confidently. When it comes to using artificial intelligence it’s not about reinventing the wheel or making it complicated. AI can enable leaders to communicate clearly, concisely, and quickly saving time, creating efficiencies and reducing frustration. Gone are the days of sweating over the perfect phrase, or staring at a blank piece of paper. Here are 5 simple ways that AI can help leaders to communicate with confidence.

1. Generate Talking Points Leaders have a message to convey through verbal presentations whether it’s one-on-one, in a meeting, speaking to the media, or to a large audience. The first step is to create the message points which may be different depending on the audience. By using the right prompts the messages can be eaily tailored for the audience. Using a program like Chat GPT can offer alternative ideas or considerations to your original question or talking point. Those talking points can then generate slides using a program like Gamma. Creating slides is no longer labor intensive. One cautionary note: If this is a verbal presentation, read everything outloud. Tell Chat GPT to write the presentation for the ear, not the eye. Keep in mind that written language is different from spoken messages. Do not trust AI. You are the only one who can determine whether the contnet sounds conversastional or like everyday language.

2. Draft Emails and Memos. Emails are not going away and every leader spends a good part of the day constructing and responding to emails.One of the major issues with emails is they’re too long and confusing. AI can assist leaders in formatting emails in the way the listener wants to receive them instead of sending the same email to all recipients. Leaders can direct AI to create a longer version for employees who will execute on a project and a brief overview for higher level leaders.. Emails can also have a customized Call To Action for different audiences. Most importantly, leaders can instruct AI to use a particular tone of voice.

3. Analyze Sentiment. In keeping with the idea of finding the right tone of a communication, AI can analyze the sentiment to determine reactions of the audience to the message. It does this by machine learning and natural language processing (NLP). It examines words, phrases and structre to determine if they are positive, negative or neutral. It can identify nuances such as sarcasm. It can add tremendous value when creating titles or headlines. There are platforms that will analyze headlines for sentiment and will score them on the amount of engagement it will generate. This can help leaders have confdience that their messages will be read and even acted upon.

4. Facilitate Brainstorming. AI can organize and categorize brainstorming ideas. This is a feature in Zoom that can be very helpful and instructive. Responses in the chat or given verbally during a Zoom meeting can enable leaders or faciltators to find patterns in the brainstorming ideas.

5. Provide Translations. We live in a complex and culturally diverse world where many lanugages are spoken.. It’s important to translate ideas simply and clearly and not take for granted that they are understood. Leaders can instruct AI to take content and create an analogy or metaphor. It can also translate lanaguages. If there are non-natives in the meeting , AI can idetify idioms and convert them to every day language definitions.

While there are many more communication scenarios, when practiced consistently, these 5 leadership communication situations will deliver greater impact both internally and externally.

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Speak Like a Human, Think Like a Machine: Leadership in the AI Era

We can no longer avoid learning and implementing AI. It’s pervasive and integrated into everything. It’s like electricity. Leaders must be able to integrate AI into their leadership strategy and leadership communication.

But how do we leverage AI without losing our humanity? That is the question. It’s not enough to use ChatGPT or Perplexity. Think of AI as a co-communicator. AI can craft speeches, refine written messages, and create compelling titles. It can analyze data including public speaking skills, market reactions, and communication patterns with greater speed and efficiency. Leaders can convey consistency through all communication messages and channels.

Yet, overreliance on these tools can diminish or override the leader’s voice. Our audiences desire authenticity. They want to connect and relate to the speaker. And that involves human qualities: tone of voice, emotion, nuances, and vulnerability. Audiences want a leader who is real. They value resonance. Recently, I used AI to write a blog post. Most of the time I write the article first, and then ask AI to make it more polished and compelling. This time I experimented with letting AI do all the work. When I compared the article I wrote with the AI-generated article, I decided to publish mine. The AI article had no soul. There was no feeling. It was generic and could have been posted on any corporate website. It didn’t belong to anyone. But my article belonged to me. The writing of AI may have been more sophisticated, but my writing had my vibe. So the risk of overreliance on AI is that we lose our authenticity.

Another challenge is ethics. AI is not appropriate for all communication as in the case of layoffs or performance improvement plans. In the George Clooney movie Up in the Air, a young tech-savvy new hire comes up with the idea of using technology to remotely announce individual job layoffs. The boss loved the new technology and the idea that they would save travel expenses for their outplacement trainers. George Clooney, who played an experienced outplacement counselor, rejected the idea. The company went ahead with the plan and the experience was shattering to the employees. It failed. Leaders must set clear boundaries around AI and never let it get in the way of humanity. In other words, think like a machine, but speak like a human.

If you want to use AI as a co-communicator without sacrificing your humanity, contact me at DiResta Communications, Inc.

Press Release: DiResta Communications, Inc. Announces New Featured Article:“6 Techniques to Overcome Limiting Beliefs in Executive Coaching”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 7, 2025

This in‑depth piece brings together expert strategies for helping leaders break through the mental barriers that hold them back. From powerful reframing exercises to mindset‑shifting conversations, a bluepring is offered that executive coaches and their clients can put into action right away.

Read the article here:

Diane DiResta’s contribution is entitled Evaluate Confidence and Rewrite Beliefs

It’s an honor to be selected along with other impressive executive coaches to share insights about the impact of limiting beliefs and what can be done to mitigate negative thoughts and boost confidence.

According to Diane DiResta, “Confidence in leadership and public speaking begins in the mind. Coaching involves combining mindset and skill set techniques”

For media inquiries, interviews, or additional information about Diane DiResta and "Knockout Presentations," please contact:

Diane DiResta Founder info@diresta.com

About Diane DiResta: Diane DiResta is a communication expert, author, and keynote speaker based in Staten Island, New York. With over three decades of experience, she has helped thousands of professionals across four continents, improve their communication skills, enhance their public speaking abilities, and deliver impactful presentations. Diane is the author of two books, including "Knockout Presentations," which has garnered widespread acclaim for its practical insights and actionable strategies. She is passionate about empowering individuals to communicate with confidence, authority, and authenticity.

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10 Commandments of Public Speaking

You don't need a stage to be a public speaker. Presenting at meetings is public speaking. Even voicemails are a form of public speaking. Public speaking is a leadership skill and you will command respect and elevate your credibility when you apply the skills of public speaking. Which of these 10 commandments of public speaking is the most challenging for you and why? You can work on one skill or all of them. Invest in your professional development and learn how to give a Knockout Presentation . Contact me at www.diresta.com to get started.

1. Know Your Audience- Understand their needs and styles to tailor your message.

2. Get Attention by Starting with a Hook- Begin with a startling statistic, interesting anecdote, or compelling question.

3. Make Direct Eye Contact with Individuals- Look at different people in the audience for 3 to 5 seconds. On a virtual platform look directly at the lens.

4. Smile- Smiling makes the speaker warm, approachable, and relaxed. It takes confidence to smile.

5. Master the Pause- Pause after key points. Pausing gives the speaker time to breathe and think. It allows the audience to process the message.

6. Vary Your Vocal Tone- Change your intonation to avoid sounding flat, to emphasize key points, and to create excitement.

7. Gesture Above the Waist- Gestures above the waist denote confidence. Hands below the waist make you look tentative.

8. Tell Your Stories- Facts tell; stories sell. Stories engage the emotions and anchor the message. Telling a story humanizes the speaker.

9. Connect wiith your Audience by Being Authentic- Show up as your authentic self. Let your personality come through. Nobody likes a talking head. Your personal examples and experiences will create an audience connection.

10. End with a Call to Action- People remember the last thing they hear. What do you want them to do or experience?

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More Than Words: How to Inspire Trust in Any Audience—Human or AI

Trust is the core of influence. The ability to inspire trust will determine the success of your presentation or conversation. You may be speaking to a live audience, a virtual platform, or engaging with artificial intelligence. Connecting authentically can be a challenge depending on the nature of the audience. So how do you build trust?

iN-PERSON TRUST-Speaking face-to-face involves visual, vocal, and verbal messages.

1. Presence and Authority. Audiences respond to speakers who are real. When I first started out as a speaker, I auditioned to deliver a company’s in-house seminar. As I confidently approaced the front of the room, I delivered the first two points. And then….. I went blank! I forgot the third point. Finally, after what seemed like a long silence, I remembered my lines and sat down. Afterwards, one of my colleagues told me she was glad that it happened. “Otherwise,” she said, “You would have been too perfect.” People don’t want perfect. They want human. This is the advantage you have over AI. Artificial intelligence doesn’t have our human emotions and empathy. It’s hard to relate to a bot. Be present, read the room, and make eye contact with individuals. Show that you care.

2. Clarity and Structure. Good delivery sits on structure. Even impromtu presentations have a foundation. To inspire trust, the message must be clear. It needs a beginning, middle and conclusion. Tell them why the message matters through personal stories and examples that they can understand. Keep your message simple in order to gain trust. A confused mind says No.

3. Body Language. You can communicate trust without saying a word. That’s because there is a body language of trust. It starts with intention. Your thoughts are conveyed through the body. The body doesn’t lie. When you are trustwothy, your body will demonstrate that truth. For example, open palms show honesty, Gestures above the waist denote confidence. Smiling is warm and inviting to the audience. Consistent body language, where the words match the gestures, is what creates trust.

4. Vocal Confidence. The meta message is in the voice, not the words. That means that you can have a professionally written speech yet your voice can betray you. To inspire trust, speak with conviction. Keep your voice modulated and master the pause. The audience needs space to process the message. If you rush, people will think you’re not confident

5. Listening and Responsiveness. Connecting with the audience is the hallmark of trust. We trust people we like and know. Don’t be a talking head. You may sound knowledgeable but you’ll have greater trust when you answer questions and dialogue with the audience. Be willing to be corrected and to pivot when necessary. Meet the audience where they are and really listen. When people feel heard, the trust expands.

TRUST IN THE AGE OF AI- It’s becoming more important and relevant to incorporate artificial intelligence in public speaking and presentation design. AI allows the speaker to co-create with the audience and deliver high quality presentations and programs.

1. Transparency And AI Use. Don’t hide the fact that you are using AI. The technology is so sophisticaled that a presenter can create a real life video likeness of themselves to deliver a message. The audience may not be able to tell the difference between you and the avatar but always let them know that it’s an AI generated video. Nothing builds trust better than honesty.

2. Maintain Human Oversight. AI has many benefits but it’s not infallible. Don’t hit the post button until you’ve checked the tone, content, accuracy, and context. Make sure that it captures your voice and values. I wrote an article and asked AI to make it sound more polished. Although, AI excelled at how to “turn a phrase” it lacked emotion. It didn’t sound like me. I decided to post the version I wrote even though AI was a better writer.

3. Teach AI to Trust You. The best way to develop trust with AI is to train it to know you through prompts and feedback. If your prompts are too broad, ask AI to write the prompt for you. Keep regenerating the message until you get what you want. With training, AI will get to know your preferences and intentions. It’s known to lie (often called hallucinations) when it doesn’t know an answer. When it regenerates a message, say “Thank you” to build a relationship. The better it gets to know you, the more trustworthy it will be come.

4. Use AI to Foster Human Connection. AI is not meant to be a replacement. Would you want to train someone to take your job? What it can do is help with human interactions. It can analyize, summarize feedback, and create messages for different learning styles. For example, it could identify and analyze a person’s social style so you would be informed of their communication preferences. By learning more about your audience or listeners you can increase engagement that is more personalized.

Merging Human and AI Interactions

The principles are the same whether you’re writing a prompt or speaking to people. Clarity, consistency, and authenticity are keys to building trust. Trust is built one interaction at a time. What happens when an audience may include people and machines? The process of communicating trust will be based on human principles-know yourself, know your audience, and know your message.

How do you inspire trust with your audience?

 To learn how to Speak Confidently and Effectively check out my LinkedIn learning course. It ranked in the Top 20 Most Popular courses for 2 years.

To learn techniques to overcome fear of speaking, read Chapter 3 of Knockout Presentations.

To work with me contact DiResta Communications, Inc.

The Art of Authentic Connection: Mastering Vulnerability in Public Speaking

John Hain

How do you create a connection with your audience? To connect means to be real, to be authentic. The audience wants to know who you are as a person, not just as a presenter. They want to know your challenges and your triumphs. But what is the line between authenticity and wearing your heart on your sleeve? When should you show vulnerability and why?

Traditionally, you were expected to come to work and leave your emotions at home. You didn’t mix business with personal issues. Today, in a more enlightened society, we realize you can’t separate your emotions from your persona. The mind and body are connected. And in an era where people crave connection, they want to know you as a real person. Sometimes that requires vulnerability to create trust. When you’re vulnerable, you model your humanity. People learn it’s okay not to be perfect. It creates empathy and gives them permission to be genuine. Showing vulnerability can build trust when done in the right way.

But how do you share your vulnerability without making people uncomfortable?

Assess the environment

The first consideration is to create a safe space. When you know the audience you can be more forthcoming. It’s riskier to be vulnerable with strangers.

Recently, I attended a professional workshop. The CEO of the company kicked off the meeting as was always the case and participated in the two day curriculum along with other presenters. Everyone in the room knew who she was, some more than others. This was not a first encounter.

Set the stage

She began by saying she had an announcement that she was dreading but had decided to tell us anyway. She built up to the message instead of blurting it out. She talked about her feelings and that her news was difficult to share. In other words she primed us for what was to come.

Deliver the message clearly and directly

Then she opened up and told us she had been diagnosed with a chronic disease. We listened to her story of the first symptoms and the subsequent diagnosis. She created a picture with her story and told us that this disease runs in her family. And even knowing it was genetic she hadn’t anticipated this situation to be part of her future. She explained she would sit during the lecture to preserve her energy.

Make a request

The next step was to make a definitive request. She explained that well-intentioned friends and family were giving her advice, referrals, and remedies. It was overwhelming and not helpful. She asked that nobody approach her with advice or even share their own past experience. She reiterated her request three different times and stated it with conviction. It was clear that there would be no exceptions. To my knowledge everyone honored her wishes.

Recap and thank you. End on a positive note.

She let people know she felt hopeful and positive. She mentioned that she was looking forward  to the workshop and then kicked off the program with enthusiasm. It’s important to not be a Debbie Downer. Being vulnerable does not make you a victim. End on a positive note.

When done right, vulnerability can be transformative through:

• Deeper connections: Audiences relate to your humanity

• Increased trust: Openness fosters a sense of honesty

• Memorable impact: Personal stories often resonate more than facts and figures

  Be vulnerable, be authentic, be you.

  Do you remember a time when a leader was vulnerable? What was the impact it had on you?

 To learn how to Speak Confidently and Effectively check out my LinkedIn learning course. It ranked in the Top 20 Most Popular courses for 2 years.

To learn techniques to overcome fear of speaking, read Chapter 3 of Knockout Presentations.

To work with me contact DiResta Communications, Inc.

3 Reasons Presenters Run Out of Time (and How to Avoid It)

As a presenter, you’ve done the work: you know your topic inside and out, and you’re well aware of the time you’ve been allotted. You start strong, confidently sharing your insights, but suddenly—bam—you’re out of time. Get the hook!  There's still so much more you wanted to cover. It’s every speaker’s nightmare.

When a presentation goes unfinished, it’s not just embarrassing—it can seriously undermine the speaker’s credibility and leadership. The audience feels cheated, and the presenter risks losing their status as an expert. So, why does this happen? The root cause often lies in poor planning and time management. Here are three common reasons presenters run out of time:

1. Overloading on Content

It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to share every bit of knowledge you have on a subject, especially if you're passionate about it. One leader was concerned that his team meetings were not effective. After observing him I realized that he would make the same point three times. His presentation was too long and confusing. Bombarding your audience with an overwhelming amount of information can backfire. Analytical speakers, in particular, are prone to data dumps, thinking that by providing all the facts, they'll enrich the audience.

But here’s the reality: audiences can only absorb so much at once. Trying to cram too much material into your presentation increases the likelihood that you’ll run out of time. The solution? Prioritize. Focus on delivering the key takeaways that matter most to your audience, and leave the rest for follow-up resources or future discussions.

2. A Too-Lengthy Introduction

Even experienced speakers sometimes fall into the trap of starting their presentations with a lengthy introduction. It’s natural to want to establish rapport, build anticipation, and ease into the main content, but a drawn-out introduction can eat up precious time.

I once watched a speaker who I had heard before, and as he began his introduction, it was clear he was taking too long. Sure enough, he couldn’t deliver all the points he had promised, and I was left feeling unsatisfied. The introduction should serve to establish the tone, create rapport, and set up the presentation—but it shouldn’t be so long that it detracts from the core content. Keep it concise and impactful so you can dive into the real meat of your message.

3. Underestimating Audience Questions

Many presenters don’t fully account for the time that will be taken up by audience questions. Whether you’re taking questions throughout your presentation or saving them for the end, they can easily derail your timing. While incorporating Q&A throughout can be engaging and interactive, it often reduces the time left to finish your main points.

If you leave all questions until the end, the high volume of inquiries might mean you’ll run out of time to answer them all. A simple solution is to plan for a “buffer” at the end of your presentation, allowing ample time for questions and ensuring you finish on time. You can also consider limiting the number of questions or encouraging the audience to ask questions after the session to avoid rushing through the conclusion.

Conclusion: Build in Time for the Unexpected

Even the most prepared presenters can face time constraints due to unforeseen circumstances. But don’t let the reason you’re rushed be a lack of time management.

To ensure you stay on track, prioritize your content, keep your introduction brief, and anticipate the Q&A. Prepare, practice out loud, and time yourself to stay within your allotted slot. When you know your material, manage your time wisely, and understand your audience, you’ll be able to deliver a polished, on-time Knockout Presentation every time.

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Press Release For Immediate Release

DiResta Communications Delivers Highly Successful Webinar with Outstanding Audience Feedback –

Staten Island, NY DiResta Communications is pleased to announce the resounding success of the recent webinar, Get to the Point: Communicate More By Saying Less, which captivated an engaged audience and garnered exceptional feedback. The well-organized presentation and insightful content offered by Diane DiResta to the Alumni Learning Consortium, resonated deeply with viewers, as evidenced by the positive comments and high engagement rates.

With over 4,700 registrations for the event, the webinar saw a strong turnout, and 30% of attendees have already viewed the recorded session. We anticipate continued interest in the video, with more viewers expected in the coming months.

Audience feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with participants praising Diane's clarity, depth of knowledge, and practical application of her advice. Below are a few highlights from the comments section:

• "Diane spoke clearly, succinctly, and was very informative. She knew her audience, which was impressive, and provided what she promised. I speak to a small group regularly and benefited from her advice in a practical and immediate way. Thank you." – John

• "Great webinar !!! 10/10 Very Likely to Recommend !!! - Thank you!" – Rafal

• "Excellent information!! I am no longer in the workforce, but I can easily see how these principles and tips can be used in settings with family, friends, community." – Rosemarie

"We are thrilled with the response to the webinar and grateful for the valuable feedback we received. It’s clear that Diane's expertise in communication continues to make a positive impact," said Ms. Cutler, Operations manager of ALC.. "We look forward to continuing to offer valuable insights through our upcoming events."

For those who were unable to attend live, the webinar recording is available for viewing. Get to the Point

About DiResta Communications:
DiResta Communications is a leading consulting firm specializing in communications training and coaching. With a focus on helping individuals and organizations achieve their communication goals, DiResta Communications offers expert guidance in public speaking, leadership communication, and interpersonal skills.

Media Contact:
Diane DiResta
Founder, CEO
DiResta Communications, Inc
Phone: 917 803-8663

Master Any Presentation with These Two Game-Changing Tips

What can a baby teach us about mastering presentations? A few years ago, I recalled a memory of a friend navigating new motherhood. She had just welcomed her first baby, and her mother stayed with her for the first week to help her adjust. Despite years of experience babysitting in her teens and early twenties, my friend was understandably nervous about caring for her own infant. She asked her mother if she would stay longer. Her mother, ever calm, offered this timeless advice:

“Oh, Elaine, it’s not that hard. Just keep his stomach full and his bottom dry.”

Brilliant in its simplicity! The wisdom behind those words has stayed with me, because it reminds us that sometimes the best solutions are the simplest. And when it comes to public speaking, it’s the same principle: keep things clear and focused, and the rest will fall into place.

Presenting doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Yet, many people get bogged down in the details—choosing the right words, worrying about how they look, fearing the “what ifs.” But let me tell you, the key to a successful presentation boils down to just two things:

1.      A clear message

2.     Audience connection

If you nail these two, everything else is just gravy.

The Power of a Clear Message

The primary reason people listen to you is because you have something they need—whether that’s information, inspiration, or a new perspective. But if your message is muddled or unclear, it won’t land.

Keep it simple. Hone in on one core idea. If you can’t explain your message in a single sentence, you probably don’t have a clear enough grasp on it. Once you’ve identified that big idea, refine it. Use short, impactful sentences that are easy for the ear to follow.

Remember, your message isn’t meant for the eye. It’s meant for the ear. A message may read brilliantly on paper, but when delivered aloud, it can easily lose its power if it’s too complex. So, speak in everyday language. Keep it conversational. People will connect with what you're saying because it feels accessible and real.

Building an Authentic Connection with Your Audience

Once your message is clear, focus on how it lands with your audience. This is where true connection happens. Valuable content is just the starting point; you need to get your listeners out of their heads and into their hearts.

So, how do you build that connection? Start by telling stories—personal anecdotes, industry-related examples, metaphors, and even humor. Stories help the audience see themselves in your message and make the content memorable.

Make eye contact. Master the pause. Silence can be a powerful tool—give your audience time to feel your words, not just hear them. Engage them directly by using their names, asking them to participate with a show of hands, or encouraging them to nod in agreement. People respond when they feel like they’re part of the experience.

Above all, remember that your audience connects with you because they like you and trust you. Let them see your humanity—share your struggles and your successes—but don’t make the presentation all about you. Shift the focus to them. Make your message their journey.

Just like my friend, who was initially overwhelmed by the thought of caring for her newborn, the simple, straightforward approach to presenting will give you the confidence you need to shine. When you remember the two-step strategy—clarity in your message and connection with your audience—you’ll be poised to give a presentation that leaves a lasting impact.

So, next time you step up to speak, take a deep breath and focus on those two pillars. The rest will come naturally. With a clear message and a strong connection, you’ll deliver a knockout presentation every time.