Presentation Skills Growth: Why Real Improvement Begins When You Challenge Your Assumptions
Real presentation skills growth rarely comes from playing it safe. Many professionals assume that improving their presentation skills is a matter of talent, personality, or experience. But in my work with international professionals and PhD candidates, I see time and again that real progress begins when people are willing to question their assumptions and experiment. As we step into 2026, this article reflects on what truly drives growth in presentation skills—and why curiosity, courage, and experimentation matter more than you think.
The key ingredient: willingness to experiment
Every single participant of the PhD candidates was willing to experiment. They dared to move beyond their assumptions—especially their fears about what might happen if they did things differently.
Let me share three examples. You might recognize yourself in one of them.
When less really is more
Take Anne. She was convinced that if she removed too much information, her story would no longer be clear or engaging.
She tried it anyway.
The result? The audience found her presentation extremely clear and engaging—a strong, coherent whole. In fact, they felt she could have cut even more. A wrong assumption, with by putting it to the test, a powerful effect.
When fear of tools disappears
Then there was Carla. She had strong reservations about using PowerPoint. She feared it wouldn’t suit her presentation subject, and that it would weaken her performance.
Again, the opposite happened.
Her presentation lost none of its strength. The slides complemented her story beautifully, making it even more impressive and memorable.
When “too complex” turns out to be clear
And then Fiene. She was certain parts of her research were simply too complex to explain—and that presenting it in just eight minutes was impossible.
Yet she did exactly that.
With just a few adjustments, even the most difficult parts became clear and accessible. Eight minutes turned out to be more than enough.
The real moral of the story
We all carry assumptions about what is and isn’t possible. Very often, these assumptions are simply not true. Worse still, they keep us from growing, developing, and taking meaningful steps forward.
My role as a trainer is to invite you to take those steps—to experiment, to question your assumptions, and to give you the tools, space, and conditions to do so safely and effectively.
So, what about you?
Are you ready to test your assumptions in 2026?
For example:
- “I don’t have talent for public speaking.”
- “I’m not an extrovert, so this isn’t for me.”
- “I cannot do this”
- “I cannot grow any further in this.”
The truth is simple: anyone can learn to present in a clear and engaging way.
All it takes is the willingness to experiment, the motivation to grow—and the courage to question what you think you already know.
Good luck with this in 2026!
Whether it is presenting or any other skill you would like to master. Let’s challenge your assumptions and experiment: who knows what is possible for you!
Kind regards,
Mabel
Would you like to accelerate your presentation skills growth by challenging assumptions and experimenting in a safe environment? Learn more about my Presentation Skills Training for Expats and Dutch Professionals here