What my 6th grader taught me about presentation skills

My 6th grader, Ayla, came home beaming from school yesterday.

She had done a presentation in class and couldn’t wait to tell me all about it — especially the feedback her teacher had given her.

She was barely through the door when she exclaimed:

“Mummy, Mr. S said I spoke like a real public speaker!”

I practically flew downstairs to give her a hug.

A public speaker?! My baby — a real public speaker?!

Ayla went on to tell me the specifics of what he had said. And what struck me most was just how simple the things were that she was being praised for. 

You know the difference between a poor presentation, a standard presentation, and a great one. You’ve heard it. You’ve seen it. You’ve probably even felt it.

But sometimes, it’s hard to put your finger on exactly what made it great.

Of course, there are many techniques that can elevate a presentation — and that’s what I share with you regularly. But today, I want to share three very straightforward strategies that Mr. S specifically pointed out.

1. Look at your audience — not your slides or your script.  

Ayla wasn’t reading at people. She was speaking to them. That small shift makes a huge difference. When you look at your audience, they feel included. They feel spoken to. And they’re far more likely to listen.

2. Use slides as a backdrop, not a script.  

Her slides supported her message — they didn’t carry it for her. That meant the focus stayed where it should: on the speaker, the story, and the point she was trying to make.

3. Practise the delivery, not just the words.  

She had worked on her volume, pace, expression, pauses — even how she would signal to her friend to advance the slide. None of those things are complicated. But together, they shape how confident, clear, and engaging a speaker feels to the audience.

None of these things are complicated.

But together, they make a speaker feel clear, confident, and engaging.

No one is born a great public speaker.

It’s not magic. It’s not a personality type. And it’s not something reserved for the naturally confident.

It’s the little things — done intentionally — that make the difference.

And the best part?

Those little things can be learned.

So next time you present, pick one thing from Mr S's list and try it for yourself.

🎤 Look up a little more.

🎤 Pause a little longer.

🎤 Put a little less on your slides. 

Start there and see where it takes you. That's how stronger presentation skills begin.