Delivery, Visuals, and the Confidence to Ask Well
Slides Support the Story, Not the Other Way Around
One of the most common presentation mistakes is letting slides do the talking.
Slides are there to support you, not replace you.
Strong visuals:
Use very few words
Rely heavily on images
Reinforce emotion and clarity
When slides are full of text, people stop listening and start reading.
Your voice carries the message.
The slides simply support it.
Presence Matters More Than Polish
You do not need to be a professional speaker to give a meaningful presentation.
What matters most is presence.
Speak a little slower than feels natural.
Pause between key points.
Let moments land.
Authenticity and clarity carry far more weight than perfect wording ever could.
Making the Ask with Confidence
The ask is not the end of the presentation.
It is the natural outcome of it.
Common mistakes include rushing the ask, apologizing for it, or over-explaining it.
Instead:
Be clear
Be calm
Pause after asking
Allow silence
Silence is not awkward.
It is respectful.
If you have specific numbers in mind, name them. Clear amounts reduce confusion and unnecessary follow-up.
Follow-Up Is Part of the Presentation
A presentation is not finished when the meeting ends.
Always:
Thank them
Reiterate the invitation
Follow up within the agreed timeline
Following up is not pressure.
It is stewardship.
Confidence Comes from Repetition
Confidence does not come from talent.
It comes from practice.
Each presentation sharpens your story, normalizes the ask, and brings more peace into the process.
This is not a performance to perfect.
It is a process of growth.
Final Encouragement
A support-raising presentation is not about impressing people.
It is about faithfully telling the story God is already writing.
Be clear.
Be prepared.
Be yourself.
Clarity builds confidence.
And faith, preparation, and follow-up work best together.
