| Powerful presentations are the cornerstone of | | | | using Powerpoint. Whatever format you present |
| most sales careers. | | | | in make sure it reflects a high level of knowledge |
| In this article, we'll explore some of the ways you | | | | on the matter and professional competence from |
| can make more impressive presentations. As a | | | | you. |
| result, you'll win more business... impress current | | | | Fourth, you might want to consider allowing a |
| customers... and maybe... even get a raise. Here | | | | question and answer session. Why? Because most |
| are a few things to work on to develop | | | | presentations are sort of like lectures. So, at |
| presentations that stand out. | | | | times, they get downright boring. Involving the |
| First of all, let's talk about your appearance. As | | | | audience allows for meaningful exchange. In |
| obvious as it sounds, a good presentation begins | | | | addition, you will find out some things from the |
| with how you present yourself. Although you | | | | questions you get that you didn't consider bringing |
| don't need to wear high-priced designer suits it's a | | | | up. The questions your audience asks evidence |
| good idea to be well groomed. A neat haircut, | | | | what they are interested in learning. So encourage |
| neatly trimmed beard or clean shave for men and | | | | questions and focus on the ones that are of most |
| a professional decorum go a long way to making | | | | interest to your audience. |
| an impressive presentation. Of course, you should | | | | Finally, if you really want to leave a lasting impact, |
| dress appropriately for the occasion. The quick | | | | consider following up with your audience after the |
| Friday afternoon meeting with your team may | | | | presentation. A neat idea would be to either audio |
| require a different dress code than a presentation | | | | or video record the presentation and send it to |
| in front of potential clients. | | | | the members of your audience after the |
| Second, you must know your topic cold. Again, | | | | presentation. |
| that kind of goes without saying. But it must be | | | | Just imagine being a potential client who is looking |
| said. Because far too many people "wing" their | | | | for a vendor like you. They shop around and listen |
| presentations and wonder why things don't go | | | | to several different presentations from you and |
| right. A good idea is to practice your presentation | | | | your competitors. But you are the only one to |
| in front of a mirror. Depending on how much | | | | send them the presentation so they can review it. |
| hinges on the presentation you may want to take | | | | This is critical. Your handouts can not give the |
| from a few days to a few weeks to polish your | | | | same impression as the actual presentation. If you |
| pitch, as it were. | | | | were to capture on audio or video and send it to |
| Next, your presentation materials should be | | | | your prospects - where that is practical - you will |
| relevant and top notch. Handouts - especially | | | | greatly increase your chance of getting their |
| those with graphics - should be prepared on a | | | | business. |
| business copier or by a professional printer. | | | | Consider these points when you are preparing |
| Computer presentations are usually best done | | | | your next presentation. |