How to Become a Better Speaker: Presentation Skills Workshop with Relja Dereta

The workshop on presentation skills, led by Relja Dereta, a trainer with more than 15 years of experience in public speaking and communication, was held as part of the Educational Programme within Creative Mentorship for Young Professionals. It confirmed that the art of speaking is not something we’re born with — it is a skill that can be developed, practiced, and refined.

Interactive and filled with practical exercises and concrete advice, the workshop offered participants tools they can apply in various situations – from conversations with potential donors and partners, presenting their projects, job interviews, all the way to speaking in front of large audiences.

Through individual and pair work, and group activities, participants practiced how to connect with their audience, communicate their message clearly, and remain authentic in their speech. One of the key messages was: good preparation starts with understanding your audience, not talking about yourself. Instead of listing facts about your project, start with the problem your audience is facing, the change they want to see, and how you can help them get there. It’s a simple, yet powerful rule that makes a real difference.

Relja reminded us that a successful presentation always begins with preparation. By asking ourselves the right questions — What do I want to achieve? Who is my audience? Why should they care about what I’m saying? — we’re already halfway there. It’s important to take time to reflect, make a plan, and — perhaps most importantly — not be afraid of silence. A pause is not a mistake; it’s space for clarity. Like any other skill, public speaking requires practice and repetition. Saying things out loud, varying your tone and pace, experimenting with your style — these are all ways to build confidence and authenticity. And when mistakes happen,  because they will, we should use them as opportunities to learn, not as reasons to hold back. 

Tips that work — both on stage and online

Participants were also reminded of the importance of non-verbal communication, both in live and online settings. One simple but highly effective tip was: look into the camera while speaking, especially when emphasizing a key message. This builds a stronger connection with your audience and conveys presence.

Relja also spoke about the discomfort we often feel when doing something new — for example, speaking louder than usual. While this may feel exaggerated at first, it’s often just a sign that we’re stepping out of our comfort zone which is the first step toward growth. With time, practice, and constructive feedback, what once felt unnatural becomes more fluid and personal.

🔹 “Don’t get too attached to how you say something – try different approaches and see what works.”
🔹 “Creating a habit takes time – but it helps to have a daily reminder to keep practicing.”

The workshop offered not only practical tools  but also space for personal growth. Here are some reflections from our mentees:

“The practical exercises, especially those in pairs, helped me immediately apply what we learned and get a clearer sense of my own communication style.”
“Relja’s tool for breaking down big goals into smaller, more manageable steps — truly useful and applicable.”
“A concise and realistic overview of the obstacles in our communication helped me understand where I can improve.”

Practice and Stay Curious

Working on presentation skills is also about working on ourselves — understanding how we think, how we communicate, and how others perceive us. These skills don’t come overnight, but each attempt brings improvement. Use the insights from the workshop as a starting point — and keep exploring.

The Presentation Skills workshop is part of the Educational Programme tailored to the specific needs of participants in the Creative Mentorship for Young Professionals Programme which  is supported by the British Council as a part of the project “Culture and Creativity for the Western Balkans” (CC4WBs). CC4WBs is a project funded by the European Union that aims to foster dialogue in the Western Balkans by enhancing the cultural and creative sectors for increased socio-economic impact.