Presentation Keys are Essential to Your Ultimate Success

“Good presentations have a persuasive opening and a killer closing. In the middle, you find a body supported by powerful stories, facts, exercises and quotes.”

— Lorri Vaughter Allen

As a speaker, it is imperative to follow a certain set of standards to stay on top of my game. These same standards helped me when I was making client presentations. Learn these guidelines and continue to hone them, and you will see amazing success.

Know Your Audience Knowing to whom you will be presenting is critical, so getting to know the players will help when making connections on an emotional level. You may for instance find some commonality in things they like that may be similar to yours. If the person or persons have a particular hobby, such as golf or fishing, that may be an interesting talking point with which to break the ice. The more you know the better equipped you will be. This doesn’t mean that everything you know you lay on the table but it certainly gives you great opportunities for talking points.

Know Your Material Research and preparation of every detail cannot be overemphasized. Your prospect or client immediately will see through the veil of being ill prepared, and it will mean your certain demise. Have a plan, create a list of possible frequently asked questions with answers prepared in the event you are asked any of them. Know all the details regarding the process, implementation and delivery of your proposal. Take the time to read the information provided by your suppliers, such as copy area and dimensions, color limitations, process in which it will be decorated, production times, rush charges, plates and set-ups, etc. This knowledge base will prove to be an asset in establishing you as a credible source.