Most people who struggle with presentations aren’t underprepared, inexperienced or incapable. They’re operating on habits that no longer serve them. Yes, nerves play a part - around 80% of people feel them - but nerves are only one factor. What really undermines effectiveness is how ideas are framed, structured and delivered under pressure. In 2026, as audiences become more time-poor and less tolerant of unclear thinking, those habits will matter more than ever. When structure is missing, even confident speakers lose the room. What follows aren’t confidence tips or personality fixes. They’re seven presentation habits that quietly hold capable people back. 1. Starting with information instead of intent Opening with background, data or slides tells the audience you haven’t decided what matters. High-influence speakers start by hooking their audience and then building strong rapport. They orient the room before they explain anything. If people don’t know why they’re listening, they won’t. 2. Hoping the idea will land on its own Good ideas don’t speak for themselves. That’s a comforting myth. Influential speakers don’t rely on hope. They frame how the message should be heard and what the audience should do with it. And they practice until they can’t get it wrong on the day. If you don’t guide interpretation, the audience will - and maybe not in your favour. 3. Overloading to prove you’re smart More slides rarely equals more credibility. Over-explaining often signals insecurity. High-influence speakers choose fewer points and land them deliberately with beautiful, undeniable imagery. Authority shows in what you leave out. 4. Presenting at people Talking without involving the audience is the fastest way to lose them - even when they’re polite. Influential presenters design engagement. They make the audience think, reflect and lean in. 5. Avoiding resistance If you can sense objections forming and choose to ignore them, the audience will stop listening. High-influence speakers address resistance early and calmly. They don’t argue - they neutralise. Unspoken objections are the real presentation killer. 6. Ending without direction Summaries don’t move people. Direction does. If the audience isn’t clear on what happens next, your presentation has already failed. High-influence speakers end with an unmistakable call to action and then a powerful closing statement. 7. Treating presenting like a talent you either have or don’t This belief is convenient - and limiting. Influential speakers train because they know influence is a skill, not a personality trait. That’s why structured development matters. Whether professionals attend a presentation skills workshop in person or join a presentation skills workshop online, the shift is the same: less guessing, more control. The uncomfortable truth Influence isn’t about confidence. It’s about clarity. And clarity is trained. Life is too short for presentation regret - especially when the next moment that matters is already on your calendar. Make today the day you register to dramatically improve the way you speak up and influence people. Join me in one my of my presentation skills workshops in Sydney. Who is Michelle Bowden? Hi! I'm Michelle Bowden - I've been teaching advanced presentation skills for nearly 30 years. I've actually delivered my Persuasive Presentation Skills Masterclass over 1060 times for more than 13,500 people over the past 27years and my best seller is called How to Present: the ultimate guide to presenting live and online (Wiley). I'm excited to say that my name is a synonym for presentation skills in this country: people don't say, I'm going to presentation skills", they say, 'I'm going to Michelle Bowden!" Let's chat about transforming your team too! Visit https://michellebowden.com.au/presentation-skills-training-dates/