We spend a lot of time preparing the visible parts of a presentation: the slides, the structure, the talking points, and the data. All of that matters, of course, but in the age of AI, where polished words can be generated in seconds, I think the real difference is becoming much more human.
People are not just listening to your words. They are reading you. They are reading your energy, your conviction, your breathing, your steadiness under pressure, and whether you look like you actually believe what you are saying. That is the part AI cannot do for you.
I see a lot of people prepare presentations almost entirely in their head. They rehearse the information, but they do not prepare themselves. So when they walk into the room, their slides may be clear, but their body is tense, their breath is high, and their voice sounds like it is trying to get through the presentation rather than connect with the people in front of them.
That is where the impact gets lost.
Good presenting is not about becoming louder, slicker or more polished than you are. It is about bringing more of yourself into the room, not less. Your presence is not an extra layer you add at the end. It is the thing that carries the message.
Before you speak, ask yourself: what do I actually believe here? Why does this matter? What do I want the room to feel, understand or do differently when I finish?
Then breathe. Ground your feet. Slow the first sentence down. Let the room see that you are with them, not just performing at them. If you do not believe in your message, the room will feel that before they process the words, and in a world full of AI-generated content, real human presence is not becoming less important.
It is becoming the whole point.
If you want to understand how your own communication is landing, I’ve created the Speak Proud Executive Presence Assessment. It takes a couple of minutes and gives you a clearer picture of how your voice, presence and clarity are showing up when the stakes are high.
Follow me on Instagram and LinkedIn for more info!
Lisa Sheerin, ICF PCC Executive Coach | Transforming Confidence, Communication & Leadership
Lisa works as an executive public speaking coach, actor, and group fitness instructor with over 20 years of experience. A graduate of a three-year drama school program in London, she began her career in theatre and film, where she faced and overcame imposter syndrome. Today, she empowers others to embrace their authenticity and transform self-doubt into confidence, combining her acting expertise, fitness training, and passion for personal growth. Her mission is to guide others toward a life where they can speak and live proudly.
Comments will display here