When you have to give a presentation, no matter if itโs to a client or your colleagues, itโs important that you take the time to prepare for it properly.
An engaging presentation can result in many long-term benefits, therefore you want to do what you can in order to succeed. So how do you create an unforgettable presentation? Here are the top 5 tips.
Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
No-one wants to go into a presentation knowing that the moment the client or a colleague asks a question, they wonโt be able to answer it properly. Before a presentation, you need to take time to prepare and gather your thoughts and ideas into a simple format that you can use for successful delivery.
Underpreparing shows a lack of organization and professionalism. Therefore, you need to put a significant amount of effort in, in order to demonstrate your determination and interest in the project.
Consider Your Audience
When preparing for the presentation, you need to consider the audience you will be speaking to. If itโs to your colleagues, it can be a little more relaxed yet still informative. But if itโs a client, you need to think about how you will react to any questions and how you will perform the presentation.
One thing to remember, however, is that often businesses will work with other businesses that are natural, welcoming and most importantly, are human. Therefore as well as being professional, you also need to be friendly. You will also need to tailor the content in the presentation based on the audience that you are giving it to.
Use Presentation Software
Using a presentation software packed with tons of awesome features can prove to be invaluable for your business. Allowing you to add images, statistics and other infographics, itโs incredibly flexible. Most presentation software will also allow you to view the slides from anywhere, on any device.
This can be extremely beneficial for when you want to send the slides to your client to look at after the presentation. It also means that you can collaborate with your colleagues to create a presentation that incorporates all of the appropriate information. Any mistakes can also be spotted, ensuring that your presentation is accurate, professional and high-quality.
You might like: Effective Presentation Training Tips.
Only Create 10-15 Slides
Even though presentation slides are helpful, itโs important not to overload them with information. You should keep each slide simple, neat and concise with only relevant information on it.
You donโt want there to be over 15 slides of information – this will make the presentation tiresome for those looking through it both at the time and afterwards. Make your presentation around 20 minutes long so that you keep your audience interested and that you donโt overbear them with information.
Donโt Rely On The Technology
Following on from the above point, itโs essential that you donโt fully rely on your slides when you are giving a presentation. A successful presentation has a combination of slides and verbal communication. You donโt want your audience to think that you didnโt thoroughly prepare and read through the presentation before you gave it.
You want them to think that you know what you are doing and that you care about the presentation. If you are simply reading off the slides or you donโt have a lot of accompanying information, it looks unprofessional and underprepared.
You want to use the slides, but only in a way that supports what youโre saying. Too many people use the presentation slides as a crutch to rely on. Show why you are different and why they should listen to what you are saying โ this is particularly important for when you are trying to sell your product or service to a potential client.
Final Thoughts
Those are just five tips on how to create a successful presentation. As time goes on, you will get more confident at giving presentations and know exactly what to do. But if itโs your first one or itโs for a project that is particularly important, itโs important that you pull all the stops out in order to get the results that you want.
Take the time to consider the presentation and sit down and prepare. Soon you will have a presentation that you are happy with. Before you give it, however, itโs good to practice it and perform it in front of an audience. This way you can ensure that itโs long enough and that it incorporates all the essential points.
