- Always ask for a copy of a good presentation. You can reuse any visually compelling elements.

- Start with a personal story or an interactive set of questions.

- Think about who your audience is, and why they care. What is in this presentation for them?

- If critical stakeholders are going to review your slides offline, as painful as it is, consider putting all your talking points in the slide and just reading from the deck.

- Smile. Make eye contact. Be excited by what you have to say. Pause... for dramatic effect. Use your hands. Use your hands more.