9 Tips For More Powerful Business Presentations
Houston Small Business Consulting
1. Establish Your Credibility Right Up Front. - Lets face it, your audience is more likely to listen
to what you have to say if they know you are credible. And it’s not about a lengthy intro with your career highlights. Instead, whether giving a public presentation or an internal presentation, start your presentation by establishing credibility before you give them information.
2. Include a Goal Early in the Presentation. - If your audience knows the purpose or goal of the presentation from the start, they are more likely to relate what you have to say with that purpose as you present your material. This makes it easier at the end to get the action you want, whether it’s funding, approval to proceed with an initiative, to change their minds, or simply get agreement and understanding.
3. Use Supporting Material Liberally. - Even if you establish your credibility, you also need to establish the credibility of what you say during your presentation. Instead of just presenting the material, accompany it with information that supports it and gives it credibility. You don’t have to include it in your slides, but make sure it is in your speaking notes. For instance, you can tell a story, give statistics, reference research, or even provide quotes from well-respected figures that support your message.
4. Begin Separate Ideas with Powerful Quotations or Images. - For more impact, introduce each separate topic or idea with a relevant quotation or full-screen image that evokes the topic instead of using a stock title slide. Add a word or two about the topic if you have to, or simply say it out loud and let the quote or image support it.
5. Ask Thought-Provoking or Rhetorical Questions. - An effective way to convey information is to ask a question first instead of launching into the presentation material. This will get them thinking about the material in the context you want. Be sure to consider your audience and the things they would wonder about, and phrase your questions so you answer those things for them, while at the same time advancing your message and your goals for the presentation.
6. Make Startling Statements. - Sometimes the best way to get attention about information you are presenting is to make startling statements. It gets their attention and if you can back it up with your information, you will drive home your point. If necessary, you can pull one fact out and use it, even if it isn’t your main point. It is simply a catalyst for your message.
7. Be Prepared for Difficult Questions. - Questions may come up during your presentation, so you need to be prepared for the most difficult ones, particularly ones that may derail your presentation or subvert your goal. Since you should know your topic and your audience, you should plan for these kinds of questions.
8. Have Your Own Questions Ready in Case Nobody Asks One. - Regardless of whether you are doing a public presentation or a focused business presentation, you should leave time for questions and answers at the end. If nobody asks a question, be prepared with your own questions that you can then answer. Ease into them by saying something like “I’m usually asked…” or “One thing you might still be wondering about is …”
Just like an encore or a curtain call, you should include a short closing after the questions. This is the time to summarize (again) and drive home your key messages and points, including your call to action.
Source: forbes
Patty Block, President and Founder of The Block Group, established her company to advocate for women-owned businesses, helping them position their companies for strategic growth. Charting the course for impactful, sustainable, profitable businesses, the beacon is control: of your strategic direction, your money, your time, your staffing, and your ability to bring in business. The Block Group brings together the people, resources and ideas that build results.
Houston Small business consulting.
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