Out Of The Box Tips For Presentations That Convert

With the number of analysis tools and chart creators available today, anyone can deliver stunning presentations. What used to knock socks is now par for the course, so if you are looking to convert clients or score big sales, you need something more than gorgeous slides. Your presentation needs to have verve, engage the audience and provide memorable material. Although consistent delivery of such presentations takes practice, a few key tricks like properly using remote power point control and active eye contact can make a difference.

One of the biggest mistakes people make when delivering a presentation is not facing the audience. Professionals with experience giving speeches even fall prey to the lure of giant slides floating on the wall.  Reading or referencing images on the wall means your back is to the audience. You cannot deliver verve and personality if all they see is your hair.  Print out a copy of your presentation with notes so you do not have to reference the slides. Stand facing the audience, and look up from your notes consistently to make eye contact.

Avoid reading directly from the presentation. Everyone in the room should be able to read, and going through each slide word for word is boring and condescending. Instead, provide concise summaries of the information presented, throw in a few stories or scenarios regarding the information and call for questions or comments. If you do read any portion of the presentation, do not use a laser pointer to follow along as if the audience is a class of second graders. Use laser pointers sparingly to highlight points on charts or graphs.

Make use of remote Power Point controls to move through your slides as you talk. This is less distracting than running the Power Point from the computer itself or directing someone else to change slides. Most remotes provide full control. You can move back and forth within slides or kick off slide animation sequences from anywhere in the room.  Since you are not tied to the computer, move around freely. Allowing yourself natural movement will increase your comfort level and this will translate to the audience. A comfortable speaker is seen as a confident, capable speaker. This increases chances of closing a deal.

When designing the Power Point, make it interesting, but do not overdo animations and other options. Slides where every word has to make an entrance are cumbersome and interrupt the flow. Use animations only when a point is important or you want to call special attention to it.

Once you have mastered the art of presentation, you will see increased success in sales. Practice using tools like remote Power Point control, speaking confidently in front of groups and setting up professional slides.  Overtime, all of these things will become natural components of your presentation style.