To achieve this connection, your presentation must include three primary components:
- Relevant content
- User-friendly design
- Dynamic delivery.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Tackle the content first
Most presentations consist of an introduction, the core material, a summary and closing. Think of it as a sandwich — the introduction and closure are the bread, the core materials are the meat, and the summary is the condiments. The main value of the presentation is its core, but you need the other ingredients to provide a working foundation and to add a little flavor.I recommend: Start with the big picture (the meat) and build the supporting content around it. Not sure where to begin? Learn the seven steps of mindmapping to get the ideas flowing. Then, develop an outline and fill it in with research.
Get your audience involved
As you create your masterpiece, keep your audience in mind. Focus the presentation to their needs and find ways to engage them in the presentation.I recommend: Design questions within the presentation to encourage two-way communication. Business Know-How's "10 Tips for Winning Sales Presentations" includes several good questions to ask your prospects.
Get the look
Regardless of your presentation's format — a simple poster board or an elaborate PowerPoint slide show — think of your materials as tools to guide the listener. Use them to communicate key points. Limit the introduction of material on each display to digestible bites. Restrict the use of fonts (typefaces) to one or two that are easily recognizable and readable. Carefully consider the use of graphics and special effects — in this case, less is more.I recommend: If PowerPoint is your tool of choice, see 12 Tips for Creating Better Presentations to take your slide show from dull to dazzling. If you'd prefer a technology-based tool, consider an automated presentation designer, such as Presentation Engine, which allows you to view sample presentations on its Web site.
Deliver the goods
Great presentations demand practice. If possible, videotape yourself delivering the material. Have dress rehearsals with employees or business partners. Solicit feedback and tweak your presentation accordingly. If you repeatedly deliver the same presentation, request feedback and make changes to meet your audience's needs.I recommend: Follow these eight practice steps to perfect your delivery.
Don't forget about Plan B
No matter how much you practice, snafus happen — computers crash, software programs freeze and yes, presentation materials sometimes get lost on the way to the big event. Anticipate what might go wrong, have a backup plan in place, and practice your backup plan.I recommend: If your presentation resides on your laptop, have a backup on CD. For more tips on how to react to unexpected challenges during a presentation, go to Presenters University.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Be consistent in the creation of your presentation materials. You're branding yourself and your company and creating an important first impression.
- Create templates for use in future presentations.
- The focus is on your company and its message – not your abilities as a graphic designer or multimedia designer or presenter or your presentation tools.
- The value of any presentation is measured by the audience and not the presenter.
- The feeling of "butterflies in the stomach" is a natural reaction to an increase in adrenaline. Honor the feeling and know – with practice – that this nervousness will quickly fade once you have begun the presentation.
- Even professional presenters follow these steps. Shortcutting the process only lessens your chances for a successful presentation.
the Professional Presentation page at Business.com
Sales Presentations
Provides easy-to-use, browser based webcasting for webinars, on-line meetings, presentations and conferences. TalkPoint is effective communication.
www.talkpoint.com
Provides easy-to-use, browser based webcasting for webinars, on-line meetings, presentations and conferences. TalkPoint is effective communication.
www.talkpoint.com
Sales Presentations
SPI has helped the world’s leading companies make the transition from selling products to selling high-value solutions for the past 20 years.
Contact Us | Resources | About Us | Solution Selling
spisales.com
SPI has helped the world’s leading companies make the transition from selling products to selling high-value solutions for the past 20 years.
Contact Us | Resources | About Us | Solution Selling
spisales.com
Kadient, Inc. - Sell Better, Sell Faster & Sell More
Kadient helps companies arm their salespeople with content, messages, and strategies they need to win at every stage of the customer’s buying cycle.
www.kadient.com
Kadient helps companies arm their salespeople with content, messages, and strategies they need to win at every stage of the customer’s buying cycle.
www.kadient.com
IBM LotusLive Engage
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Connect. Collaborate. Take Business Forward. Try IBM's Suite of Online Collaboration Tools including Presentation Software. Get the No Cost Trial.
30-Day Trial
www.LotusLive.com
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