Both are probably the strongest pieces of advice from audiences to presenters, because if implemented they deliver what audiences most want editorially and in terms of delivery.

Time and again, audiences will say what they want from a presenter content-wise is clear takeaways, just a handful of concise messages.

On the delivery side, much is made of authenticity, a welcoming demeanour, congruence in actions and so on – but if you ask audiences what they most need, they are quite clear. They need to be able to understand the presenter and to digest what he or she is telling them. They want to have time to mull things over and reflect or at least keep up with the presentation. If the presenter goes too fast, they are effectively sidelined and marginalised.

What these two tips do for the presenter is increase their effectiveness significantly. ‘Less is more’ effectively means you are doing the heavy work for your audience, by prioritising the key information. We all live busy lives, and we value presenters who get to the point and set out the most important information for our consideration rather than obfuscating behind a wall of detail. 

Slowing down is like a magic elixir. As a presenter, it puts more air in your lungs, deepens your voice, confers gravitas and makes you seem reflective and considered. Importantly, it also allows you to story-tell and build suspense and tension, and deliver resolution for audiences. A dramatic pause is priceless and almost never seen.

Slowing down allows the audience to breathe, to take stock and evaluate. It invites them into a presentation and signals a willingness to partner with the audience - that you’re not in a hurry and that this is worth considering.

Two small and very old tips. But still the two best.