Sales Presentation Software

Get out of the slide show rut, and into multimedia presentation programs
By R.N. Dolgener, Special Education Teacher If you've watched a corporate presentation in the last few years, you know that the days of static slide shows are over. PowerPoint software created a new era of sales presentation software when it first hit the market 20 years ago. These days, multimedia presentation software and add-ins are must-haves for the business world, and sales presentations in particular.

Learning how to create dynamic presentations can take a little time for a newcomer or a seasoned marketing professional. Thankfully, marketing presentation software and some essential extras are just a mouse click away, and so are many sources of help and training. Take the following steps, and you're well on your way to dynamic, captivating presentations that will seal the deal:

1. Brush up on public speaking skills before you put too much energy into learning advanced PowerPoint presentation techniques--Flash Player won't help your presentations if you can't engage your audience.

2. Research all the latest technological tricks recommended by the experts--fancy slide transitions may be a moot point if what your sales presentations really needs are video clips.

3. Practice using your new tools until you can recover quickly from a misstep or technical difficulty.

Compare your PowerPoint program to other options and choose the right fit

PowerPoint presentation software has evolved to meet the changing needs of business professionals. If you need 3D presentation software or Web based sales presentation software, however, explore less-prominent software names that might better meet your needs. Most all business presentation software is available in a free trial download. Choose at least 3 programs to compare, and download the free trials.
Try:  Build test presentations using Sant Corporation's Presentation Builder demo, Ontra Presentations software trial download, and SellFolio's business presentation programs.

Improve your business presentation software with the latest add-ins

If you've just downloaded a new presentation program, you may not need to add much to give your creations pizzazz. Older versions of Microsoft's PowerPoint program, for example, may need Flash presentation software or 3D presentation software.
Try:  Instant Effects offers OfficeFX add-ins for PowerPoint software, but you'd need to purchase OfficeFX software to reap all the benefits of these extras. If money's a concern, add value to your PowerPoint with some free downloads from Indezine's links page.

Dress up your presentations with industry-specific graphics

No matter what field sales presentation software you decide to use, don't settle for the graphics that come with the package. You can create, edit and find shared graphics tailored to your current presentation using a complementary graphics program that you can either purchase or download for free.
Try:  You can try out SmartDraw's free download, but the program will cost you. SofoTex keeps a directory of free graphics software downloads. Just make sure the software you choose will work with your presentation program.

• Create your own presentation templates by recording macros in your business presentations software. It's a custom solution, but you won't spend extra on pre-built templates that aren't exactly what you need.
• Record your field marketing sales presentation, complete with video, audio, transitions and extras, using your presentation program. You can then create Web based sales presentations and custom CDs for pre-sales and training purposes. They make a nice addition to your portfolio, as well.