Expert Advice about Presentation Skills
from Patricia Fripp

From Good to World-Class: How to Improve Your Presentations

Socrates said, “Know thyself.”

I say, “Put your words under the magnifying glass.”

If you want to improve all of your presentations, here’s a simple process that works for seasoned professionals as well as ambitious beginners.

Step 1: Watch Yourself Like a Coach

Take a video of one of your best presentations and sit down to watch it—not as the speaker, but rather as a high-priced speech coach.

• Forget the wrinkle in your jacket or the hair out of place.
• Ask yourself, “What is this speaker doing superbly well?” Perhaps it’s a strong command of the content, smooth stage movement, or an authentic smile that lights up the room.
• Then ask, “What would I tell this speaker to do differently to improve that performance?”

This perspective turns self-critique into professional growth.

Step 2: Watch Without Sound

Now, play that same video with the sound off.

• Are the movements purposeful?
• Do the gestures enhance or distract from the message?
• Can you see moments where standing still would add power?

When you strip away words, body language becomes unmistakably clear.

Step 3: Transcribe and Analyze

This is the technique I use when coaching professional keynote speakers—including those who already command high fees and standing ovations.

We have the presentation transcribed. Then, I look for:

Too much ‘I’ language instead of ‘you’

• • Overused words or phrases.
  • Sentences are overloaded with too many ideas.
  • Non-specific language such as thing, stuff, tons, bunches, boatloads.
  • Clarity is not an accident. It comes from refining, tightening, and focusing language so the audience remembers what matters most.

Step 4: Micro-Coach the Delivery

Next, my client and I watch the video a couple of sentences at a time.

• We note what works and why.
• We uncover hidden techniques the speaker was using instinctively.
• We layer in improvements such as:
  • “Pause for 1-2-3 before moving on.”
  • “Deliver that line standing still, so it lands with authority.”
  • “Step forward on silence for dramatic effect—no more than three times per talk, or it looks rehearsed.”

The difference between good and world-class presentations lies in dozens of these tiny improvements, practiced consistently until they are second nature.

The Payoff: Audience Impact

This process transforms how audiences respond. Instead of polite applause, you hear: “I always thought you were the best speaker I’ve ever heard. But this was amazing.”

As Sir Laurence Olivier said, “The art is hiding the art.”

What Clients Say

“From her opening line, Ms. Fripp’s presentation was positively provocative. Her innate ability to tell stories immediately drew us in. Patricia drilled down to disrupt many preconceived notions about how to communicate effectively. Thank you, Patricia, for a productive and powerful presentation. Our sales professionals are incorporating your suggestions.” Timothy Rush, Chief People Connector, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

“I wanted a Super Bowl-quality coach, and I was lucky to be introduced to Patricia Fripp. Her coaching and scripting were world-class. With Patricia on your team, you can go places.” Don Yaeger, Long-Time Associate Editor for Sports Illustrated and New York Times Best-Selling Author

If the best speakers in the world rely on coaching, why wouldn’t you?

When your message must be memorable, your presentation powerful, and your sales successful, why not work with Patricia Fripp?

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Even the most experienced speakers don’t hear themselves the way their audience does. That’s why athletes work with coaches, authors with editors. Many speakers who want to move from good to unforgettable call me.

If you’re serious about standing out, winning more business, and having your audiences hang on your every word, let’s talk.

• Want to learn my techniques and taste of my coaching? Begin with a free trial of Fripp Virtual Training — my interactive, on-demand learning system. Join and be invited to monthly group coaching sessions.
• Prefer a personal touch? If you are serious about upgrading a speech or sales presentation, book a Zoom discovery call with me.

When your message must be memorable, your presentation powerful, and your sales successful, I can help.

Over the years, I’ve helped executives win million-dollar deals, engineers shine at user conferences, and professional speakers elevate their signature talks, which were already earning standing ovations. The secret? Tiny, consistent improvements that compound into world-class delivery. Plus, great advice from an expert!