Here's how you can elevate your visual communication skills for corporate presentations.

Use the internet for inspiration whenever you find something difficult to visually convey, or find inspiration in e.g. Canva or Slidequest or similar. Don’t be afraid to make your presentation personal because authenticity wins over fancy corporate designs ;) and “good design” varies by culture and subculture (fx age) so who’s to say your design isn’t good.. it’s all about knowing your target audience and adapting your message accordingly.

And share real life stories and examples - at the end of the day that’s what people remember. They will remember that funny anecdote of how you messed up your first try or how a calculation error lead to xyz, and so forth. Make it personal, but know your audience.

Unless you really are tech savvy don’t go there ;) design supports your message but if you’re feeling uncomfortable because you have to remember to press a button at the right time or you worry if the timing on your slide works than it becomes more disturbing than helpful. Use what makes you feel comfortable - it’s what you say that matters and not how fancy your slide looks.

I'm not fond of the phrase, "practice makes perfect." I prefer, "practice brings comfort." Perfect is unattainable. The goal of practicing is to get you more comfortable with your presentation, which will improve your execution. It will be easier for you to engage with your audience, you know what's coming next and you are prepared, you aren't as nervous and will appear more natural to those you are presenting to.

Dress comfortable! I am patiently waiting for someone to coin the phrase comfy corporate fashion. Don't wear anything too loose, distracting (showing too much cleavage, pronounces certain areas or features of your body, or anything too tight. You LITERALLY don't want them to see you sweat ;)

Trust your expertise. A great slideshow is just that: a slideshow. It’s a support function, a secondary message. What really matters is you and you wouldn’t be doing the presentation if you weren’t awesome! ;) so trust your expertise and be honest with yourself and your audience. Bring YOU on to the stage rather than what you think people expect from your company or your title or, or, or. Authenticity wins and you were tasked with giving a presentation because of your expertise :)