Sales Techniques - Oral Presentations

Submitted by Mitch Seigel on Tue, 02/22/2010

Presenting on a wing and a prayer? That’s what happens when you do not take the proper time to practice what you will be saying, and how you will be saying it in a presentation. Oral presentations are less inhibiting to some people. Nothing though will replace the presentation that has been practiced over and over and over again. The stronger you are in your conviction of the subject matter, the more credibility you have with your audience. And the more you practice, the more conviction you can convey.

One bit of advice I learned in 9th grade speech, is taking the nervous anxiety you have before your oral presentation, and turning it into positive energy. There is virtually no one who is totally free of anxiety prior to speaking or presenting. This is true whether it is a memorized speech, or a completely improvised presentation. It is true of a novice speaker as well as a veteran orator. Remember to breath! It’s OK to pause, gain eye contact, walk around the room, or at least on stage. All this will help connect you with your audience.

If it is a group presentation, using flip charts, a white board and videos, all add to the presentation and are ways to keep attendees engaged. If your presentation is a Power Point presentation, make it colorful, use pictures and various transitions from slide to slide. Lastly, if you can, practice your presentation in front of an observer who can give you constructive criticism. You may think your presentation is fantastic but another perspective will always be eye-opening. If you’ve taken the time to get to the point of a presentation with a client, a group, or an individual, make it your best, and take the time to present it in the best way possible.

What are your challenges when it comes to making oral presentations? I look forward to hearing your comments.

Until next time …