If you have a big presentation coming up, you might be nervous. But don't sweat it. Stay calm and keep the following tips in mind when presenting an important campaign to your boss or client. After all, there's no point in making a sales pitch if you can't convince your audience and exude confidence. Refer to these five tips when making your next formal presentation.
1. You should always look your best. Wear your best suit, get a full eight hours of sleep, and eat a balanced breakfast. Every great sales pitch begins with the perfect handshake. Come in there prepared and confident to make the most desirable first impression.
2. Display your work in a professional manner. To catch the eyes of your audience you should use a display easel for all your tangible advertisements. It's all about craftsmanship and you really want to blow them away with your creative visuals. You did stay up all night putting them together. If your visuals are so eye popping your clients may even snag one to look at later, that's a plus. Make sure to date and put contact information on all your boards.
3. Speak clearly, loudly and with an easy to follow tone. Obviously, you want to make as much eye contact as possible and show the crowd that you can look them eye to eye. This will help you to convince them that you are right. Even though it's a formal presentation, add some humor and personality. You want to show them you're fun and easy to work with. Avoid "ums" and pauses as much as possible and try at all costs to practice and memorize. Using note cards isn't that convincing.
4. Show gratitude upon entering and at your presentation's conclusion. It is really important to take the time to thank your guests for coming and hearing you speak. This can really set you apart because most people are too nervous and forget this crucial part of the "interview." Say thank you with solemnity and heart.
5. Introduce yourself and explain a little bit about your background and role within the project. People appreciate hearing how smart you really are. You may want to do your research on them as well and show them that you know exactly what you're talking about. A great way to win over a client is to show competence.
Important presentations can sometimes mean a big promotion, but unfortunately, they can also sometimes result in terminations. Keep these tips next time you are on the verge of a formal presentation or sales pitch. Always look sharp, speak clearly and concisely, show gratitude, and use good visual support. And overall you want to talk about yourself, your strengths and how you will weave them into what they do as a company. After that, it's all up to you. Good luck!
