We’ve all sat through presentations that felt like a slow drip of PowerPoint slides. And yet, once in a while, someone stands up and speaks — and something clicks. You’re hooked. You remember it. You repeat it to a friend later.
So, what’s the difference?
Why do some presentations stay with us, while others vanish the moment we leave the room?
In my experience teaching presentation skills, the most memorable talks share five key ingredients — and you can learn to use all of them.
🎯 1. A Clear Message — Not Just Information
Memorable presentations don’t just dump data or list bullet points. They have a core message — something the audience can take away and repeat in one sentence.
If you can’t summarise your message in a sentence, your audience won’t either.
Watch:
👉 Simon Sinek – Start with Why
Sinek doesn’t talk about marketing theory — he delivers one big idea: “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.”
🎭 2. Storytelling and Emotion
Facts fade, but stories stick. A good presentation draws you in with a story you care about, something that makes you feel — whether it’s laughter, surprise, or empathy.
Watch:
👉 Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – The Danger of a Single Story
She doesn’t just make a point — she tells powerful, personal stories that bring it to life.
😄 3. Personality and Authenticity
People don’t remember perfect delivery — they remember realness. A memorable speaker is human, open, and often a little vulnerable.
Watch:
👉 Brené Brown – The Power of Vulnerability
Brown’s humour and honesty are what make her talk unforgettable.
⏸️ 4. Pauses, Timing, and Presence
How you say something can be more powerful than what you say. Pacing, pauses, and silence create drama and help your audience absorb key points.
Watch:
👉 Julian Treasure – How to Speak so That People Want to Listen
Treasure uses rhythm, voice, and pause like a musical performance.
A pause lets your message land. Rushing robs it of power.
🖼️ 5. Simple, Visual Support
The best presentations don’t rely on slides — but when they’re used, they’re visual, clean, and memorable.
Watch:
👉 Hans Rosling – The Best Stats You’ve Ever Seen
He transforms dry data into visual storytelling with energy and impact.
💡 Takeaway: You Can Learn This
Being memorable isn’t about talent or luck — it’s about intention and practice. You can:
✔ Structure your message
✔ Tell stories
✔ Be yourself
✔ Use silence
✔ Support your ideas with visuals
Want to get better at presenting? Choose one of the TED Talks above and watch how these techniques come to life — then try using one of them in your next presentation.
Let me know what you think — and if you’d like more tips, reflections, or real examples, follow along here on the blog.
Cheers,
Lee