What do you do if your public speaking presentation as a leader lacks compelling and persuasive elements?

1 Know your audience

Before you design your presentation, you need to know who you are speaking to, what they care about, and what they expect from you. Research your audience's background, interests, needs, and challenges. Tailor your message and tone to suit their level of knowledge, preferences, and goals. Use language and examples that resonate with them and avoid jargon or technical terms that might confuse them. Show them that you understand their situation and that you have something valuable to offer them.

2 Have a clear purpose

Your presentation should have a clear and specific purpose that guides your content and structure. What do you want your audience to know, feel, or do after listening to you? How will you persuade them to take action or change their mind? Write down your main objective and use it as a filter for your information and arguments. Eliminate anything that does not support or relate to your purpose. Focus on the benefits and outcomes of your solution or idea, not just the features or facts.

3 Use storytelling techniques

One of the most powerful ways to make your presentation compelling and persuasive is to use storytelling techniques. Stories can capture attention, evoke emotions, illustrate points, and create connections. They can also help you establish credibility, authenticity, and trust with your audience. Use stories from your own experience, from your customers or clients, or from other sources that are relevant and credible. Make sure your stories have a clear structure, a conflict, a resolution, and a lesson or takeaway.

4 Incorporate visuals and audio

Visuals and audio can enhance your presentation by adding variety, interest, and clarity. They can also help you reinforce your message, illustrate complex concepts, and appeal to different learning styles. Use images, graphs, charts, videos, or audio clips that are relevant, high-quality, and easy to see or hear. Avoid cluttering your slides with too much text, animation, or colors. Use visuals and audio as supplements, not substitutes, for your verbal communication.

6 Practice and refine

The final tip to improve your presentation is to practice and refine it until you feel confident and comfortable. Practice your presentation out loud, preferably in front of a mirror, a camera, or a friend. Record yourself and watch or listen to your performance. Identify your strengths and weaknesses and work on improving your delivery, tone, pace, and transitions. Use notes or cue cards, but do not read from them or memorize your script. Be prepared for questions, objections, or technical glitches. Practice until you can deliver your presentation with clarity, conviction, and charisma.