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Handy Tips To "Present Your Business"
Your boss calls you to his cabin and says, “You have to make a business presentation tomorrow”!
What is your immediate reaction? You are already developing cold feet at the thought of standing in front of an audience (not an ordinary one, but consisting of people with expert knowledge) and speaking! You have to spout sensible stuff so that you leave a good impression regarding yourself, as well as the company you are working for!
Want to be known as a great business presenter? Of course you do!
So, how do you go about your job of delivering a great business presentation before a select audience? The suggestions offered below should be able to help you—
Have all the information at your fingertips:
Get your hands on anything and everything to do with your topic for the business presentation. Never mind, if you have to spend a sleepless night! This is to prevent you from getting caught unawares even when dicey questions are thrown at you.
At the same time, do not be a boring walking encyclopedia—this much, and no more! And oh yes, be acquainted with the latest updates in the field. The trick is to use certain keywords and key phrases throughout the presentation, so that the audience stays focused on the topic and exhibits interest.
Use visual aids only if absolutely necessary:
Yes, a slide show or a power point presentation can become a part of your business presentation. But do remember that no electronic equipment or slides can replace the “real presenter” and that is “YOU”! Of course, if slides are just meant to be accessories for your speech, then use them by all means.
A few points to be kept in mind—minimum number (only essential graphs, charts and pictures); avoid textual matter as much as possible; keep away from fancy fonts, glaring colors, elaborate designs; striking capitals and over-punctuation. Whatever is presented should stand out against a light background. Finally, your slide show should be compatible with every computer. Familiarize yourself with the keyboard and shortcuts.
The basic format of your business presentation should be—outlining of the key points to be covered during the business presentation; elaboration on the main topic; and brief summarization. If a picture needs to be added to the story for a better explanation, use it instead of all those slides.
Practice in plenty:
If you want to come across as a confident and able individual, then you better do as many dress rehearsals as possible! They give you a chance to improvise. It would also be advisable to familiarize yourself with the room where the business presentation is going to be held. In fact, practicing at least once in that room would be even better.
Tips to keep in mind during actual delivery:
Do use simple and easy-to-understand language (nobody likes a walking dictionary!), however impressive you might wish to be! But if there are some difficult expressions or acronyms that have to be stated, take care to explain them. Focus on the audience and their problems, not on YOU or YOUR COMPANY. Time is precious for each and every one.
Your speech should be lucid and well-paced. A smooth flow makes the audience feel that you are talking to them and not making a pompous business presentation—the result is a comfortable atmosphere where people feel free to ask questions and are sure of getting the answers. It is not a good idea to have a podium—give yourself space to walk around if necessary. Sensible props of course, can be utilized to explain certain points. Finally, comedy acts and jokes are a big no, no! Do not mix business with pleasure!
Alternative plans:
Despite all your careful preparations, things can go wrong at times! Disaster does not announce itself! So, do keep an alternative plan ready. Be prepared to give the audience what they came for, even without any props or accessories. Let your boss feel proud of your business presentation!!