Presenting with: Lindsay Adams OAM CSP
Peak Presenting Director, Melinda Smith, had the privilege of catching up with award-winning speaker, business relationship specialist, and thought leader, Lindsay Adams OAM CSP, for his tips on structuring and delivering effective presentations.
Lindsay and Melinda were attending the Professional Speakers Australia’s (PSA) annual convention #CADENCE25. In 2020, Lindsay was recognised in the Australia Day Awards with a Medal in the Order of Australia (OAM) for his contribution to the speaking industry.
Tell us about your career to date
With a background in leadership, team development, and behavioural profiling, I have spent decades helping professionals to grow their influence, income, and impact. I work with major corporations, government departments, and business leaders worldwide and have delivered presentations and training in more than 25 countries.
I am the author of The DNA of Business Relationships and Why Do People Act Like That? And I also mentor and distribute a range of behavioural assessment tools to speakers, coaches, and consultants worldwide.
My work and books help organisations and people to translate complex human behaviour into actionable strategies that improve communication, boost confidence, and strengthen workplace relationships. My passion is about people understanding other people, to help them turn their expertise into lasting influence and sustainable income.
Why did you want to focus on keynote presenting?
I chose to focus on keynote speaking because it gives me the biggest platform to create meaningful impact in a short amount of time. There’s something incredibly powerful about standing in front of an audience, sharing an idea that sparks new thinking, and watching people have that “aha!” moment right in front of you.
Keynotes allow me to set the tone, shift perspectives, and inspire action, all within 30 to 60 minutes. It’s not just about delivering information; it’s about connection, transformation, and creating momentum. I love the challenge that comes with it. How can I take a complex issue and communicate it in a way that’s clear, compelling, and memorable?
For me, keynote speaking combines everything I value - storytelling, behavioural insight, strategy, and service. It’s where I get to make the biggest difference, and at the same time, continue growing as a communicator, a thought leader, and a human being.
Your favourite or most memorable speaking experience?
One of my most memorable moments as a speaker and trainer was during a change management program I delivered for Queensland Rail. The audience was made up largely of blue-collar workers, many of whom were initially resistant and sceptical; they’d seen programs come and go, and they weren’t exactly eager to engage with yet another “corporate initiative.”
I knew that with the right approach, respect, relevance, and a bit of humour, I could take them on the journey. Over two intensive days, we broke down barriers, built trust, and tackled real challenges they were facing on the ground. By the end, the shift was extraordinary. I had workers coming up to me, shaking my hand, saying it was the best training they’d ever done, not just informative, but practical, empowering, and delivered with genuine understanding. Their comments brought a tear to my eye and reminded me why I do this work.
What makes a good presentation?
A good presentation is more than just a well-structured talk, it’s a powerful connection between you, the message, and the audience. Really, it’s not about the you, it’s about the audience. You have to understand who you’re talking to, tailor the content, and use real stories that people can relate to.
People connect with people, not perfection. If you are authentic, confident and present using your voice, body language, and timing, then you will connect and enhance engagement. It’s not about slick performance - it’s about real presence.
What is your absolute top tip for presenting at a peak level?
Be you, everyone else is taken! Authenticity is your superpower. The best presentations aren’t delivered by perfect people, they’re delivered by real people who are confident enough to show up as themselves. When you stop trying to imitate others and start speaking from your own voice, that’s when the real magic happens.
How do you relax outside of work?
When I’m not on stage or working with clients, you’ll often find me indulging in one of my favourite hobbies, model trains. There’s something incredibly satisfying about the precision, creativity, and attention to detail that comes with building miniature railways.
It’s a calming contrast to the fast-paced world of professional speaking. Yet it still taps into my love of systems, design, and storytelling. Every layout tells a story, every track connects to a bigger journey, much like the work I do helping people navigate change and communication. For me, model trains aren’t just a hobby, they’re a way to unwind, focus, and keep the inner kid alive.
More about Lindsay Adams OAM CSP
I’m known around the world as the Relationships Guy and I focus on building better business relationships through powerful communication, behavioural insight, and human connection. As a keynote speaker, facilitator, and consultant, I help leaders, teams, and organisations unlock the power of relationships to drive performance, productivity, and profit.
I also distribute a range of behavioural assessment tools like DISC and the Business Excellence Indicator, equipping coaches, consultants, and business leaders with actionable insights that improve communication, foster trust, and resolve conflict. I deliver keynote presentations, immersive workshops, and in-depth consulting, all designed to create real-world change.
My primary goal is to help people understand each other better, communicate more effectively, and build relationships that work, in business and in life.
Connect with Lindsay
For coaching and workshops on delivering effective presentations, please contact our team today.