Why Presentation Skills Matter in Every Aspect of Life
When I was younger, I struggled with public speaking. As a teenager, I was an incredibly shy person, and it took years for me to feel comfortable presenting my ideas in front of others. That anxiety followed me into university, where I found myself avoiding situations that required me to speak in front of a group. The turning point for me came when I stumbled upon a book in the university library.
The book, primarily about running effective meetings, included an eye-opening section on how to present ideas concisely and clearly to different audiences. It was a game changer. What I learned from that book was simple yet profound: presenting isn’t some mysterious talent you’re born with; it’s a skill, one that can be developed with practice and a clear framework. Once I understood this, I started to approach presentations with far more confidence.
The transition wasn’t immediate, but over time, I began to see speaking as less of a burden and more of an opportunity to share my ideas. Now, as someone who has worked in the gaming and tech industry for over 15 years, I see the same fears I once had in many of the indie developers I mentor. Whether it’s pitching a game idea to a publisher, presenting a new feature to their team, or trying to convince investors to fund their project, the fear of presenting can be a huge roadblock.
Crucial for Game Developers
In my experience working with indie developers, the ability to pitch your game is just as important as making the game itself. A solid pitch doesn’t just communicate what your game is about; it shows potential investors, publishers, and collaborators that you’ve thought things through, that you’re confident, and that you know how to execute your vision.
One thing I’ve noticed at conferences and indie meetups is that many developers struggle with public speaking. This isn’t surprising; after all, most of us get into game development because we love creating, not necessarily because we love presenting. But here’s the thing: developing your ability to pitch is something that will open doors, whether you’re asking for funding, looking to attract a team, or even trying to get feedback on your game.
And this is what my upcoming workshop series is all about—helping indie game developers develop these critical presentation skills. We’ll cover how to structure your pitch, how to use a pitch deck effectively (not all pitches need one, but it’s a great tool), and, most importantly, how to deliver your ask with confidence.
What You Can Expect from the Workshop
My workshops go beyond theory. They’re interactive sessions where you’ll get hands-on experience delivering your pitch and receive personalized feedback. We’ll focus on refining your pitch content and delivery while also building a strong, supportive environment where you can practice without pressure. You’ll also have the chance to see and discuss sample pitch decks, gaining insight into what makes a presentation truly stand out.
In the workshop, we’ll not only work on crafting a strong pitch but also give participants the chance to present their pitches to their peers. This hands-on practice is vital—it’s one thing to learn the theory of pitching, but it’s another to actually stand up and deliver your idea. We’ll also look at sample pitch decks to help you visualize what a strong, concise, and compelling presentation looks like.
Interactive, Convenient, and Designed for Indie Developers
To ensure accessibility, the workshops will be held on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with sessions at 1 PM and 7 PM EST to cover multiple time zones. Each session will be kept small to allow for personalized feedback, making sure that everyone has the opportunity to practice in a comfortable and supportive environment. If you’ve ever felt nervous about pitching or public speaking, I truly believe this workshop can help.
If this sounds like something that could benefit you, I’d love to see you there. Let’s work together to help you present your ideas with the confidence and clarity they deserve.
For more information about the workshops and to secure your spot, head over to the event page.