Presentations are a nerve-wracking experience, especially if you are a presentation novice. There is the fear of public speaking and the worry that you will forget what to say or freeze entirely in the worst-case scenario. But, when presentations are delivered correctly, they are highly engaging, convincing and sometimes even inspiring. But, to create a business-winning presentation, you may need the help of an expert—that is where hiring a presentation design agency comes in useful. This guide will outline how to create a business-winning presentation that impresses your audience.
Know Your Audience
The key to a great presentation is knowing your audience and tailoring the content of your presentation to their needs. How can you communicate information in an engaging way if you don’t know what makes them tick? Before you start creating your presentation, answer these questions:
- Who is your audience? How do they like to receive information? For example, are they detail-orientated, or are they more interested in the big picture?
- What do they want from you?
- What do they have in common? Are they your colleagues, or are they a potential new client?
- What do they know already? Should you simplify information to ensure they remain engaged?
- What are their pain points? Does your idea or venture address their pain points?
By knowing your audience, you can determine whether your presentation will engage them. Plus, knowing that you are communicating information in a way that your audience will understand will give you confidence that the presentation will go smoothly.
Start With a Bold Statement
You need to grab your audience’s attention within the first minute of your presentation. A great way to do this is to open with a bold statement. If you start with the standard: “Hi, I’m *your name* and today I’m going to talk to you about x”, people may lose interest. However, if you begin with a bold statement, people will sit up in their seats, eager to hear what you’ve got to say next. The bold statement you choose will depend entirely on the nature of your presentation, but make sure that it is not offensive or rude. Stimulate your audience’s curiosity and leave them wanting to know more.
Keep It Concise
A concise presentation that gets to the point will increase the likelihood that audience members remain engaged. The longer your presentation is, the more likely people are to get bored and disengage. Focus on your key points, and don’t be afraid to omit information that you think might not be relevant.
Show Your Passion
One of the best ways to keep your audience engaged with your presentation is to show your passion. Injecting passion and enthusiasm into your presentation demonstrates your expertise, and your audience will feel compelled to listen to you. Show your passion in your body language: stand up straight, speak clearly, make eye contact with your audience and make appropriate hand gestures as you speak. A passionate, engaging presenter will keep their audience’s attention and is more likely to persuade them to see things from their point of view.
Prioritise Good Presentation Design
The design of your presentation must be clear, compelling and easy for your audience to follow. Many presenters fall down because their presentation is badly designed. The content of your presentation might be influential in itself, but if it is summarised in a poorly designed presentation, your audience is more likely to lose interest in what you have to say. If you do not possess the necessary skills to create a well-designed presentation, consider working with a presentation design agency. Experienced presentation designers will help you make impactful presentations that effectively deliver your message.
Practice, Practice, Practice
One of the best ways to reduce pre-presentation nerves is to practice. There are various methods you can use to practice your presentation. For example, some people will film themselves presenting and critique their skills themselves. Others will rehearse their presentation in front of a small group of people and ask them for feedback. Consider exploring resources and suggestions on how to get a TEDx talk. This can guide you in articulate speaking.The best way to practice your presentation is to simulate the environment where your presentation will be delivered. Are you able to practice in a similar venue? For example, if you’re going to deliver a pitch to a client in a meeting room, why not hire a meeting room where you can practice? That way, you’ll feel more comfortable in your surroundings when it comes to the actual presentation.
How to Create a Business-Winning Presentation
Creating a business-winning presentation is by no means easy, especially if you have not delivered many presentations in the past. But, by following the advice above, you can increase the likelihood that your presentation impresses your audience. Knowing your audience, opening with a bold statement, keeping it concise, showing your passion, prioritising good design and plenty of practice will massively improve your chances of success.
