When we’re born, the first way we communicate is by speaking. It’s the first thing we learn, and it’s something we constantly do. In fact, I’d say speaking is one of the most challenging and important “experiments” we go through in life. As we grow, we’re often judged based on how we speak—whether we’re quiet, talkative, polite, rude, confident, or unsure. Since school, we’ve been expected to speak well and communicate effectively. And if you look around, you’ll see that a lot of research and books have been written about speaking, presenting, and communication in general.
“The world is full of obvious things which nobody by any chance ever observes.” – Sherlock Holmes
I’ve had my share of experiences with public speaking—some good, some… well, let’s say a little more memorable for the wrong reasons. I want to share a few things I’ve learned along the way from my “experiment” with speaking.
My First Speaking Disaster
I’ll never forget my first real speaking experience in a business setting. I used to accompany my boss to business pitches. He’d do most of the talking while I’d help with slides, resources, and the like. One day, during a presentation, he asked me to speak on a slide out of the blue. I was completely unprepared. I froze. I didn’t know how to start or what to say. My boss quickly stepped in and saved the presentation.
But the funny part? He didn’t say anything afterward—no scolding, no “better luck next time.” He just said, “You’ll handle the next one.” And that next one was the very next day. I realized in that moment that preparing the presentation was easy, but actually speaking—well, that was the challenge. Over the next 20 years, I did hundreds of pitches, business presentations, and proposals, and now, even running my own company, I still enjoy creating stories around presentations and engaging with audiences.
What I’ve Learned (and What You Should Know)
Now that I’ve had quite a few years to figure it out, here are some tips I make sure to follow for a great presentation—whether it’s a casual meeting or presenting to a senior leadership team:
- Be Observant
Every presentation teaches you something new. Pay attention to your audience’s reactions, and learn from each experience. You’ll get better every time. - Experiment
Don’t be afraid to try something new in your presentation. Drop a fun fact, ask an offbeat question, or throw in a conversation starter. You might even get a lively discussion going, and that’s always a win. - Warm Up the Room
Don’t dive straight into your presentation. Take the first couple of minutes to chat about something relevant—like a current event or market trend. It helps break the ice and eases everyone into the conversation. - Know Your Audience
If you’re presenting to CXOs or senior management, keep it simple and focused—ideally no more than 15-20 slides. High-level execs appreciate concise and clear messages. - Speak Beyond the Slides
People can read the slides themselves—your job is to add more value. Speak to what’s not on the slides—give context, insights, and a bit of storytelling to keep things engaging. - Keep an Eye on Engagement
If you notice the room getting a bit quiet or people losing focus, change things up. Maybe skip ahead to a different slide or introduce a new topic. Break the monotony to keep the energy up. - Whiteboards Are Magic
If you can, ditch the PowerPoint and use a whiteboard. It’s a simple but effective way to capture attention and make things interactive. People seem to engage more in discussions with a whiteboard than with slides. - Prepare Like a Pro
Most business meetings are agenda-based, so you’ll know the general flow ahead of time. Use that to your advantage—prepare well, make your notes, and rehearse the key points. - Use Hard Copies
In meetings with more than 5 people, I’ve found it helpful to hand out hard copies of your presentation. Not everyone will be glued to the screen, but having a physical copy allows people to follow along and ask questions more comfortably. - Bring a Buddy
For important pitches or presentations, I always bring at least one person with me. One can observe the audience and give me feedback afterward, while the other helps manage any questions or discussions.
Why Speaking Matters
In our careers, how well we speak can make a huge difference. Whether you’re a manager, a leader, or even a startup founder, the ability to communicate clearly and confidently sets you apart. It’s a skill that people value everywhere—whether it’s in a meeting, during a pitch, or even when you’re just having a casual conversation.
If you want to improve, there’s no shortage of resources out there. Books like How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie, Presentations That Persuade and Motivate by Harvard Business School Press, and Talk Like TED by Carmine Gallo are a great place to start.
And one last tip: join a Toastmasters club! It’s an amazing way to practice public speaking, extempore speaking, and get constructive feedback. You’ll find a local club in most cities, and it’s a great way to get better over time.
A Special Thank You
The boss I referred to in this blog is Mr. Harleen Oberoi. He’s been a huge influence on my career and continues to mentor me even today. I owe a lot of what I know about speaking and presenting to his guidance. I dedicate this blog to him—thank you for always showing me a different perspective.
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