How to Improve Presentation Skills: A Voice Coach Approach
Whether you're stepping into a new role, trying to engage your team, or hoping to speak with greater clarity and presence, improving your presentation skills can feel overwhelming.
Verbal communication is one of the most complex things we do as humans.
Presentations involve:
Organising ideas clearly
Speaking with vocal clarity
Managing nerves
Engaging diverse audiences
Reading nonverbal feedback
Adapting in real time
The good news? You don’t need quick tips or superficial tricks—you need a simple, actionable framework that helps you think, speak, and connect with greater ease. Let’s break this down.
The Brain Science Behind Clear Presentations
In a recent coaching session, a neuroscientist client of mine shared something insightful:
“The brain is mainly interested in two things: conserving energy and ensuring survival.”
When your audience listens to you speak, their brains are subconsciously asking:
Is this information easy to process? (so I don't burn too many mental calories)
Is this relevant to my goals or social/professional wellbeing?
Your job as a presenter is to make their cognitive load as light as possible without dumbing down your message. The easier your content is to follow, the more your audience can absorb and engage.
The Rule of Three: A Simple, Powerful Framework
There are many structures you can follow, but on of the most effective for clear communication is the Rule of Three.
Why Three?
More than three items becomes a list that's harder to remember.
Two items sound like opposites (right/wrong, up/down).
Three creates a natural rhythm and sense of completeness.
Aristotle described storytelling as having three parts: beginning, middle, and end. The Rule of Three taps into our brain’s natural preference for this pattern.
How to Apply the Rule of Three in Presentations
When preparing your presentation, organise your content into three key themes, sections, or takeaways. For example:
"Today I want to share three key insights: our recent challenges, our opportunities for growth, and our next steps."
"Let’s explore three ways this new system will impact your daily work."
You can even nest threes within threes:
"Under 'opportunities,' there are three main drivers..."
Added Variation: The Rule of Three Plus One
For extra impact, occasionally add an unexpected fourth point:
"There are three key benefits to a plant-based diet: improved health, stronger ethics, and more energy. Plus — it saves money."
The surprise element captures attention and reinforces your engagement.
But What About Spontaneous Communication?
You might be thinking: "Ashley, that’s great for prepared presentations. But what about in the moment?"
The Rule of Three can help here too. Try this exercise:
When asked for your opinion, start by saying:
"Well, there are three things that come to mind..."
Often, you’ll naturally find a second and third point as you speak.
If not, you can say:
"Actually, my first point feels most relevant right now. I’d be happy to explore the other points in more depth later."
This approach makes you sound deliberate, thoughtful, and organised—even in real-time conversations.
Presentation Skills Involve More Than Content Structure
In addition to a good structure, effective presentations require multiple layers working together:
Voice clarity (articulation, tone, resonance)
Breath support (steady airflow, managing nerves)
Pacing (not rushing, using strategic pauses)
Posture and physical presence (alignment frees your voice)
Authentic connection (speaking from values, not performance)
Voice coaching addresses these layers holistically, weaving structure and performance so that you present with confidence, ease and impact.
FAQs
Is the Rule of Three a universal rule?
No rule applies 100% of the time, but it’s a highly effective tool for clarity and engagement in most communication settings.
Can voice coaching help with presentation anxiety?
Yes. Coaching provides physical and psychological tools to manage nerves, stay grounded, and speak with presence.
What if my content is highly technical?
Even technical presentations benefit from structure and clarity. The Rule of Three helps your audience follow complex information more easily.
Is voice coaching only for professional speakers?
Not at all. Anyone who speaks—in meetings, interviews, classrooms, or conversations—can benefit from voice coaching.
Final Thoughts
Improving your presentation skills isn’t about performing. It’s about:
Organising your thoughts clearly
Speaking from your values
Structuring content to ease your listener’s cognitive load
Freeing your voice and body to communicate with confidence
When your ideas flow clearly, your voice supports you, and you connect authentically, your confidence becomes natural.
If you're ready to elevate your presentation skills with targeted voice coaching, click here to learn more.
Ashley Howard is a UK-based voice coach with 18+ years of experience helping professionals, leaders, and individuals master authentic, impactful communication.