Presentation Skills Speakers
You've booked the venue, sorted the tech, and lined up the promos... but you're still stuck on finding a speaker who can actually hold a room.
Know the feeling?
You might be wondering: how do I find the right presentation skills speakers who actually know how to deliver a message, not just talk through slides?
Good question. This guide helps you figure that out.
Because presentation skills speakers aren't just coaches or trainers-they're pros who know how to teach others to speak clearly, confidently, and effectively in front of any crowd.
Whether your audience is full of entrepreneurs, executives, creators, or students, these speakers can show them how to say what matters and keep people listening.
I've seen how the right speaker on this topic can shift the whole energy of a session.
So if you're planning a podcast, conference, summit, or show, and you want someone who knows how to teach communication that sticks, you're in the right place.
Scroll through, explore the featured presentation skills speakers, and book someone who fits your vibe.
Top Presentation Skills Speakers List for 2025
Christiaan Willems
How to NOT to come across as a 'Complete Dick' in your Business Videos
Robin Owen
Helping you speak with confidence and leave a lasting impression
Dr. Cristina Castagnini
Where expertise meets authenticity
Gary Wohlman
Elevate your impact & captivate any audience with BODY & VOICE
Theo Kapodistrias
Award-winning Speaker + Lawyer, TEDx professional, and MC
Shannon GaNun
Helping business professionals communicate with clarity and confidence so they can become stronger leaders.
Barrie Segal
Unleashing Public Speaking and Business Success with Barrie Segal
Kishford Frank
Empowering Preachers/Speakers To Engage, Inspire, and Transform Their Audience
Bridgett McGowen
Empowering voices, igniting passion, motivating people to think differently and be totally unforgettable for all the right reasons!
What Makes a Great Presentation Skills Speaker
Think about someone like Nancy Duarte or Garr Reynolds. They don't just teach presentation techniques-they embody them. Their delivery is intentional, their message is clear, and their presence is magnetic. A great presentation skills speaker doesn't rely on flashy slides or gimmicks. They use their voice, body language, and structure to guide the audience through a journey.
But here's the twist: it's not just about charisma. The best speakers are also great listeners. They read the room, adapt on the fly, and know when to pause or pivot. They understand that communication is a two-way street, even if the audience isn't speaking back.
And let's not forget authenticity. Audiences can smell inauthenticity a mile away. Great presentation skills speakers are confident, but not cocky. They're polished, but not robotic. They bring their full selves to the stage-flaws, quirks, and all-and that vulnerability is what makes them unforgettable.
So if you're looking to identify or become a top-tier presentation skills speaker, focus less on perfecting your slides and more on connecting with your audience. That's where the magic happens.
How to Select the Best Presentation Skills Speaker for Your Show
1. Define Your Audience and Objectives.
- Who are you serving? Entrepreneurs? Educators? Corporate teams?
- What do you want them to walk away with? Inspiration? Tactical skills? A mindset shift?
- Example: If you're hosting a virtual summit for startup founders, you might want someone like David JP Phillips who blends neuroscience with practical communication tips.
2. Search Smart Using Platforms Like Talks.co.
- Use Talks.co to browse vetted speakers by topic, audience fit, and availability.
- Check out their speaker page-look for testimonials, past appearances, and video clips.
- Tip: Filter by 'presentation skills' and sort by engagement rating or audience size match.
3. Evaluate Their Speaking Style and Content Fit.
- Watch at least two full talks. Are they dynamic? Do they keep attention?
- Do they tailor their message to different audiences or stick to a script?
- Look for diversity in delivery-do they use stories, visuals, and interactivity?
4. Reach Out and Ask the Right Questions.
- Ask about their process: Do they customize their talks? Can they co-promote?
- Request a short discovery call to assess chemistry and alignment.
- Sample question: 'How do you adjust your talk for a virtual vs. in-person audience?'
5. Check References and Reviews.
- Go beyond testimonials. Ask past hosts about audience feedback and speaker reliability.
- Look for consistency: Do they show up on time? Are they easy to work with?
Selecting the right speaker is part art, part science. But when you find the right fit, it elevates your entire event.
How to Book a Presentation Skills Speaker
1. Start with a Shortlist.
- Use platforms like Talks.co to create a shortlist of speakers who specialize in presentation skills.
- Look for those with strong audience engagement metrics and relevant experience.
- Tip: Use filters to narrow by industry, region, or format (e.g., virtual, hybrid, in-person).
2. Reach Out with a Clear Ask.
- Send a concise message outlining your event, audience, and what you're looking for.
- Example: 'We're hosting a virtual summit for HR leaders and looking for a speaker on persuasive communication in the workplace.'
- Include potential dates, format, and compensation range upfront.
3. Schedule a Discovery Call.
- Use this time to align on expectations, content customization, and logistics.
- Ask about their AV needs, preferred session length, and audience engagement strategies.
- Pro tip: Ask if they can tailor their talk using examples from your industry.
4. Confirm with a Speaker Agreement.
- Include all key details: topic, date, time, platform, payment terms, cancellation policy.
- Tip: Add a clause about promotional responsibilities if co-marketing is expected.
5. Prep and Promote.
- Share audience insights and event goals with the speaker.
- Provide branded assets, hashtags, and promotional copy.
- Schedule a tech check if it's a virtual event.
Booking a presentation skills speaker is more than just locking in a time slot. It's about building a partnership that delivers value for your audience and your brand.
Common Questions on Presentation Skills Speakers
What is a presentation skills speaker
Unlike general motivational speakers, presentation skills speakers focus specifically on the craft of delivering messages clearly, confidently, and persuasively. Their content typically covers areas like body language, vocal variety, slide design, storytelling, and audience engagement. Some also dive into niche topics like virtual presentation techniques or cross-cultural communication.
These speakers come from a range of backgrounds-some are former actors, educators, or corporate trainers, while others are communication coaches or authors. What unites them is their deep understanding of how people process information and how to structure a message for maximum impact.
In today's world, where attention spans are short and competition for eyeballs is fierce, being able to present well is no longer optional. A presentation skills speaker helps individuals stand out, whether they're pitching to investors, leading a team meeting, or hosting a webinar.
So whether you're organizing a leadership retreat or an online summit, bringing in a presentation skills speaker can elevate the experience for everyone involved.
Why is a presentation skills speaker important
These experts help bridge the gap between great ideas and great delivery. You might have the most innovative product or groundbreaking research, but if you can't communicate it clearly and confidently, it won't land. A presentation skills speaker equips people with the tools to make their message resonate.
In corporate settings, this can translate to more effective sales pitches, stronger leadership communication, and better internal alignment. In education, it means teachers who can hold attention and students who can present their ideas with clarity. In entrepreneurship, it's the difference between a pitch that gets funded and one that gets forgotten.
Beyond the practical, there's also a cultural shift at play. With the rise of remote work and digital events, the ability to present well on camera is now a core skill. Presentation skills speakers are evolving their content to meet this demand, offering strategies for virtual engagement, camera presence, and digital storytelling.
So whether you're running a summit, leading a team, or launching a product, a presentation skills speaker isn't just helpful-they're a strategic asset.
What do presentation skills speakers do
First, they educate. These speakers break down the mechanics of great presentations-how to structure a talk, use visuals effectively, manage nerves, and connect with different types of audiences. They often use real-world examples, interactive exercises, and live coaching to make their sessions practical and engaging.
Second, they demonstrate. A good presentation skills speaker doesn't just tell you what to do-they show you. Their own delivery becomes a masterclass in pacing, tone, storytelling, and audience engagement. Whether they're speaking at TEDx, a corporate retreat, or a virtual summit, they model what excellence looks like.
Third, they adapt. Presentation skills speakers tailor their content to the context. A speaker working with engineers in Germany might focus on clarity and precision, while one addressing a group of nonprofit leaders in Kenya might emphasize storytelling and emotional resonance. Cultural nuance and audience awareness are key parts of their toolkit.
Finally, they empower. The goal isn't just to impress-it's to equip. By the end of a session, attendees should feel more confident, more capable, and more motivated to speak up. That's the real value of a presentation skills speaker: they help others find their voice and use it effectively.
So whether you're booking one for a summit or attending their workshop, expect more than tips and tricks. Expect transformation.
How to become a presentation skills speaker
1. Define Your Niche and Audience.
- Are you teaching corporate professionals how to pitch?
- Helping students present with confidence?
- Or guiding entrepreneurs to nail investor decks?
Get clear on your niche and who you serve. The more specific, the better.
2. Build Your Signature Talk.
- Develop a core presentation that showcases your expertise.
- Include real-world examples, frameworks, and actionable takeaways.
- Make it adaptable for different formats: keynotes, workshops, webinars.
3. Create Your Speaker Page.
- Use a platform like Talks.co to build a professional speaker profile.
- Include your bio, talk topics, testimonials, and a video reel.
- Make it easy for event organizers to book you or request more info.
4. Start Speaking Anywhere You Can.
- Offer to speak at local meetups, online summits, or industry panels.
- Record every talk to build your video portfolio.
- Ask for testimonials and referrals after each event.
5. Connect with Hosts and Event Planners.
- Use Talks.co to connect with summit hosts and podcast producers.
- Pitch your talk as a solution to their audience's pain points.
- Follow up with a clear call to action and speaker kit.
6. Package Your Offers.
- Create different tiers: free talks, paid workshops, corporate training.
- Add coaching or online courses to extend your value.
- Make it easy for clients to say yes.
Becoming a presentation skills speaker isn't about being perfect on stage. It's about solving a real problem with your voice, your story, and your strategy.
What do you need to be a presentation skills speaker
1. Deep Knowledge of Presentation Techniques
You need to understand the mechanics of effective presenting: structure, storytelling, body language, vocal variety, and audience engagement. Whether you're teaching TEDx hopefuls or corporate leaders, your credibility comes from knowing what works and why.
2. Real-World Experience
You don't need to be a celebrity, but you do need experience applying what you teach. Maybe you've coached teams, led workshops, or trained executives. These experiences give you stories and case studies that make your talks relatable and practical.
3. A Clear Personal Brand
Your brand should reflect your unique take on presentation skills. Are you the 'data storytelling' expert? The 'pitch deck whisperer'? The 'confidence coach'? Your brand should come through in your visuals, website, and speaker page. Tools like Talks.co make it easy to build a speaker profile that communicates your value at a glance.
4. A Platform to Get Booked
You need visibility. That means being on platforms where hosts and event planners look for speakers. Talks.co is a great place to start because it connects you directly with summit hosts and podcast producers looking for experts like you.
5. Business and Marketing Skills
Being a presentation skills speaker is also about running a business. You'll need to price your services, negotiate contracts, and market yourself. That includes building an email list, creating content, and nurturing relationships with past clients.
In short, to be a presentation skills speaker, you need expertise, experience, a clear brand, a booking platform, and a business mindset. When those come together, you're not just a speaker-you're a sought-after expert.
Do presentation skills speakers get paid
1. Paid vs. Unpaid Gigs
Many new speakers start by offering free talks to build credibility. But once you've got a solid talk, testimonials, and a speaker page (like on Talks.co), you can start charging. Paid gigs become more common as your reputation grows.
2. Factors That Influence Pay
- Experience Level: Seasoned speakers with a track record command higher fees.
- Audience Size: Speaking at a corporate conference pays more than a local meetup.
- Format: Keynotes typically pay more than breakout sessions or panels.
- Region: Speakers in North America and Western Europe often earn more than those in emerging markets, though virtual events are leveling the playing field.
3. Typical Payment Models
- Flat Fee: A set amount for a talk or workshop.
- Per Hour: Especially common for training sessions.
- Revenue Share: For online summits or courses.
- Lead Generation: Some speakers waive fees in exchange for access to attendees.
4. Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Can earn thousands per talk | Inconsistent income |
Builds authority and leads | Requires constant outreach |
Opportunities for upsells | Travel and prep time can be intensive |
How do presentation skills speakers make money
1. Paid Speaking Engagements
This is the most obvious stream. Speakers charge for keynotes, workshops, and breakout sessions. Corporate training gigs often pay the most, especially when tailored to leadership teams or sales departments.
2. Online Courses and Digital Products
Many speakers turn their frameworks into self-paced courses. For example, a speaker might sell a '10-Day Confident Presenter Challenge' or a 'Pitch Like a Pro' video series. These products generate passive income and scale your reach.
3. Coaching and Consulting
One-on-one or group coaching is a high-ticket offer. Some speakers help executives prep for big talks, while others coach entrepreneurs on pitching investors. Consulting gigs can also include revamping slide decks or presentation strategies.
4. Affiliate Marketing and Sponsorships
If you have a following, you can earn by recommending tools (like slide design software or public speaking apps). Some speakers also partner with brands to sponsor events or webinars.
5. Hosting Events or Summits
Using platforms like Zoom, speakers can host their own virtual summits, bringing in other experts and monetizing through ticket sales, VIP upgrades, or backend offers.
6. Books and Publications
Publishing a book on presentation skills can open doors to higher speaking fees and media appearances. It also serves as a lead magnet for other services.
The best presentation skills speakers don't rely on just one income stream. They build an ecosystem where each offer supports the next, creating both impact and income.
How much do presentation skills speakers make
1. Entry-Level Speakers
- Typical Range: $0 to $1,500 per talk.
- Profile: New to the industry, speaking at local events or online summits.
- Notes: Often unpaid or compensated with exposure, testimonials, or lead access.
2. Mid-Level Speakers
- Typical Range: $1,500 to $5,000 per talk.
- Profile: Some reputation, a speaker page (like on Talks.co), and a few testimonials.
- Notes: May also earn from workshops, coaching, or digital products.
3. High-Level Speakers
- Typical Range: $5,000 to $15,000+ per talk.
- Profile: Recognized expert, published author, or media contributor.
- Notes: Often booked for corporate events, leadership retreats, or international conferences.
4. Top-Tier Speakers
- Typical Range: $20,000 to $100,000+ per keynote.
- Profile: Celebrity status or global authority (e.g., Simon Sinek, Nancy Duarte).
- Notes: Income often supplemented by book deals, licensing, or consulting.
Other Income Streams
- Courses: $50 to $500 per student.
- Coaching: $500 to $5,000 per client.
- Summits: Varies based on ticket sales and upsells.
So, how much do presentation skills speakers make? It depends on how you package your value. The more you diversify your offers and build authority, the higher your earning potential.
How much do presentation skills speakers cost
1. Speaker Experience and Reputation
- New Speakers: $0 to $1,000. Often speak for free or low fees to build their portfolio.
- Mid-Level Speakers: $1,000 to $5,000. Have a speaker page, some testimonials, and niche expertise.
- Established Experts: $5,000 to $15,000+. Known in their industry, often authors or media contributors.
- Celebrity Speakers: $20,000 to $100,000+. Think Tony Robbins or Amy Cuddy.
2. Type of Event
- Webinars or Online Summits: Lower cost, often $500 to $3,000.
- Corporate Workshops: $3,000 to $10,000 depending on customization.
- Keynotes at Conferences: $5,000 to $25,000+ depending on audience size and prestige.
3. Customization and Add-ons
- Custom Training Materials: May add $1,000 to $5,000.
- Follow-up Coaching: Often billed separately.
- Travel and Accommodation: Usually covered by the client.
4. Booking Platform
Using a platform like Talks.co can help you find vetted speakers at different price points and streamline the booking process.
In short, the cost of a presentation skills speaker depends on what you need, who you hire, and how much value they bring to your audience. It's not just about the talk-it's about the transformation.
Who are the best presentation skills speakers ever
- Nancy Duarte: Known for her work on visual storytelling and slide design. Her book 'Resonate' is a must-read for anyone serious about presentations.
- Chris Anderson: As the curator of TED, he's shaped how millions think about public speaking. His book 'TED Talks' is a blueprint for impactful communication.
- Les Brown: A motivational powerhouse whose delivery style is studied in speaker training programs across the globe.
- Tony Robbins: While known for motivation, his mastery of stage presence and audience engagement makes him a standout in presentation skills.
- Patricia Fripp: A Hall of Fame speaker and one of the most respected coaches in the speaking industry.
- Simon Sinek: His 'Start With Why' TED Talk is a masterclass in structure, storytelling, and delivery.
- Carmine Gallo: Author of 'Talk Like TED' and a communication coach for executives at companies like Intel and Coca-Cola.
- Zig Ziglar: A legend in sales and communication, Ziglar's speeches are still used as training tools today.
- Barbara Corcoran: Known from Shark Tank, she's a sharp communicator with a knack for simplifying complex ideas.
These speakers have not only mastered the art of presenting-they've influenced how the world teaches and learns presentation skills.
Who are the best presentation skills speakers in the world
- Julian Treasure (UK): Known for his TED Talks on sound and communication. His talk 'How to speak so that people want to listen' has over 50 million views.
- Anita Kapoor (Singapore/India): A media personality and speaker who blends cultural intelligence with communication coaching.
- David JP Phillips (Sweden): Creator of the '110 Presentation Skills' framework and a TEDx speaker with a science-based approach.
- Amy Cuddy (USA): Famous for her TED Talk on body language and power poses. Her research has influenced speakers and leaders worldwide.
- Garr Reynolds (Japan/USA): Author of 'Presentation Zen', he combines Eastern design principles with Western communication techniques.
- Deborah Frances-White (UK): Host of 'The Guilty Feminist' podcast and a speaker on confidence and communication, especially for women.
- Fredrik Haren (Singapore/Sweden): A global keynote speaker who has spoken in over 60 countries on creativity and communication.
- Bo Seo (Australia/Korea): A world debate champion and author of 'Good Arguments', he brings a fresh, analytical lens to persuasive speaking.
- Lisa Nichols (USA): A transformational speaker who teaches presentation with emotional depth and authenticity.
These speakers are shaping how we think about communication across cultures, industries, and platforms. Whether you're in tech, education, or entrepreneurship, there's someone on this list whose style you can learn from.
Common myths about presentation skills speakers
This is one of the most persistent misconceptions out there. People often assume that great speakers just 'have it'-some natural charisma or talent that can't be taught. But here's the truth: most top presentation skills speakers have spent years refining their craft. Think of Simon Sinek or Brené Brown. Their delivery looks effortless now, but it's the result of deliberate practice, coaching, and feedback. You don't need to be born with it-you need to work at it.
Myth 2: You need to be extroverted to be effective.
Not true. Some of the most impactful speakers are introverts. Susan Cain, author of 'Quiet', is a perfect example. Her TED Talk on the power of introverts has over 30 million views. What matters more than personality type is clarity, authenticity, and preparation. Introverts often excel at listening and reflecting-skills that translate beautifully into thoughtful, engaging presentations.
Myth 3: Presentation skills speakers just talk about body language and PowerPoint.
That's like saying chefs only talk about knives and pans. Sure, tools matter, but real presentation skills speakers dive deep into storytelling, audience psychology, persuasive communication, and even neuroscience. They help people connect ideas to action. Whether it's a corporate boardroom or a virtual summit, their role is to transform how people communicate.
Myth 4: If you're nervous, you're not cut out for it.
Even seasoned speakers get nervous. The difference is, they've learned how to channel that energy. Nerves can actually sharpen your focus. The key is preparation and mindset. Speakers like Mel Robbins have openly talked about their pre-stage jitters-and how they use rituals and breathing techniques to manage them. Nerves aren't a sign of weakness. They're a sign you care.
Myth 5: You need a big platform to get started.
Nope. Many successful presentation skills speakers started small-local meetups, webinars, or internal company trainings. The size of your audience doesn't determine your impact. What matters is consistency, feedback, and a willingness to improve. Start where you are, with what you have. The rest builds over time.
Case studies of successful presentation skills speakers
Another standout is Eric Thomas, also known as the 'Hip-Hop Preacher'. Coming from a background of homelessness and hardship, he turned his life around through education and grit. His speaking style is raw, emotional, and deeply motivational. What sets him apart isn't polish-it's authenticity. He connects with audiences from high school gyms to Fortune 500 boardrooms because he speaks from lived experience and uses storytelling to drive home life-changing messages.
Then there's Garr Reynolds, author of 'Presentation Zen'. Based in Japan, he brought a minimalist, design-focused approach to presentations that challenged the cluttered, bullet-heavy slides we were all used to. His influence spread across industries-from tech startups in Silicon Valley to educators in Europe. Reynolds proved that simplicity and clarity could be more persuasive than flashy effects.
And let's not forget Lisa Nichols. Her journey from a single mom on public assistance to a globally recognized speaker is nothing short of inspiring. Her breakthrough came when she appeared in 'The Secret', but her staying power comes from her ability to blend personal storytelling with actionable strategies. She teaches others how to own their voice, especially in underrepresented communities.
Each of these speakers came from different backgrounds, industries, and even continents. But they all share something in common: a commitment to mastering their message and serving their audience. That's what makes a presentation skills speaker truly successful.
Future trends for presentation skills speakers
We're also seeing a rise in data-driven storytelling. In industries like healthcare, finance, and tech, professionals are expected to present complex data in a way that's clear and compelling. Presentation skills speakers who can teach visual data literacy and narrative framing are becoming highly sought after.
Here are a few key trends to watch:
- Virtual-first communication. More companies are staying remote or hybrid. Speakers who can coach teams on remote presentation dynamics-like camera framing, audience interaction, and pacing-will stay in demand.
- AI-assisted presentations. Tools like ChatGPT and Canva's Magic Write are changing how people build decks and scripts. Speakers who can teach how to use these tools without losing authenticity will stand out.
- Micro-presentations and snackable content. Attention spans are shrinking. There's a growing need for speakers who can help professionals deliver powerful messages in under 5 minutes-think TikTok meets TED.
- Cross-cultural communication. As teams become more global, speakers who understand how to tailor presentations for different cultural contexts (e.g. high-context vs. low-context communication) will have a competitive edge.
- Neurodiversity and inclusive communication. There's a growing awareness of how different brains process information. Speakers who can train others to present in ways that are accessible to neurodiverse audiences-using clear structure, visuals, and pacing-will lead the next wave.
Presentation skills speakers who want to stay ahead should be thinking beyond the stage. The future is interactive, inclusive, and integrated with tech. And those who embrace that will thrive.
Tools and resources for aspiring presentation skills speakers
Canva. More than just a design tool, Canva now offers presentation templates that are clean, modern, and easy to customize. Great for beginners who want to level up their visuals without hiring a designer.
SpeakerHub. A directory and marketplace for speakers. You can create a profile, list your topics, and get discovered by event organizers. Tip: Keep your profile video short and focused on transformation, not just credentials.
Prezi. For those who want to break out of the traditional slide format, Prezi offers dynamic, zoomable presentations that can help you stand out. Especially useful in education and creative industries.
TED Masterclass. A course designed by the TED team to help you craft and deliver talks that matter. It's structured, engaging, and full of examples from real TED speakers. Ideal for those aiming to speak on big stages.
Notion. Use it to organize your speaking topics, track gigs, store feedback, and even script your talks. Its flexibility makes it a powerful back-end system for any aspiring speaker.
Zoom. Still the go-to for virtual presentations. Learn its advanced features-like breakout rooms, polls, and spotlighting-to make your sessions more interactive. Tip: Practice with a friend to test your setup before going live.
Toastmasters International. A classic, but still incredibly effective. Local clubs around the world offer a safe space to practice public speaking and receive structured feedback. Especially useful for beginners or those looking to build confidence.