by titus james

Created on: December 15, 2006   Last Updated: October 12, 2011

Giving a polished business presentation can mean the difference between profit and loss. In the world of business - especially marketing - which is what I am doing right now, less is more. Listed below are some practical steps you can take to turn a business presentation from fright into fun:

1. Know everything possible about your company and your product. Your presentation becomes a sunken ship if you are not prepared with the correct answers or if you fumble along. The only life preserver available in the event that you do not know the answer(s), at the end of the presentation of course, is to respond with an earnest "I don't know but I can find out and get back to you". Use this sparingly; even the slightest flaw devalues the most enviable masterpiece in the business world;

2. Know your presentation like the back of your hand. During your talk, hearing the turn of shuffled papers is just enough to distract your audience, distract you and downgrade it from professional to amateur;

3. Practice, practice, practice...perfectly. First, start with yourself as your own audience then progress to trusted colleagues, family and friends who are willing to listen attentively. This builds confidence and confidence attracts customers;

4. Arrive 30-40 minutes early to your presentation. It is important to be the first person in the room. This gives you the leeway to set-up properly and strategically, putting you firmly in control of the situation. Once everything is positioned to your liking, leave the room. You don't want more space than you need to let your mind wander which has the knack for cooking-up anxiety. Come back five minutes before the presentation. This gives you just enough time but not too much to meet and greet then go directly into your pitch;

* A quick appearance check in the mirror is always wise and a "small" breath mint keeps you approachable and your mouth moist. Avoid big pieces of candy and/or gum as they take the attention away from what's being said and places it directly on your ignorance and uncouth

5. The best, most important thing that you can do when you begin your presentation is to relate to the audience. Know your audience. By knowing your audience you are able to break the ice with a story or scenario that everyone or almost everyone involved can share in. This puts people at ease and you instantly become much more than just a presenter, subconsciously you are now their friend;

6. Cover all the bases but do not drag the presentation out. People generally become disinterested between the 12 and 15-minute mark. If you've hit 15 minutes, you might as well have talked for an hour. Don't forget: less is more;

7. Structure your pitch so that the things you leave out can be covered during the question and answer session. Q&A is more about them than you, so if it runs for longer than 12-to-15 minutes, it's not on your watch it's on theirs and that's perfectly ok;

8. Come equipped with plenty of information, e.g., brochures, hand-outs, etc. This is a great way to answer questions that time, I prefer to use the word "space", may not permit;

9. If feasible provide cost-effective parting gifts. Everyone loves to leave with something free. Moreover, it's a subtle or overt way - depending on how you work the presentation and what it is you're proposing - of thanking them for coming and giving you their attention. In addition, it exudes professionalism and success. By the way, if it is not feasible make it feasible;

10. Finally, always be yourself.

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