Group Presentation Problems?

How effective are you at delivering a powerful group presentation? The truth is that more and more salespeople and sales managers/executives are required to make a formal presentation to a group of prospects or customers. How well do you do? What grade would you give yourself? A, B, C, D or F?

Here are six tips to help you raise your grade and, most likely, your income.

1) Confirm room and operational dynamics, size of group, AV equipment available (if none, bring your own), room location, directions, etc.

2) Arrive at least 1 to 1 1/2 hours before the presentation to ensure that everything is in proper working order. Then go over your presentation several times in that environment before you have to do it for high stakes.

3) Prepare your presentation carefully and professionally. For example, no more than 5 words per slide, proper branding of logo(s) on slides, not too many slides, etc.

4) Consider using an advancer rather than having to reach down and advance slides with your laptop. I recommend the Power Presenter. It's the one we use and it's great.

5) Give some thought to withholding any collateral material until after you deliver your presentation. That will guarantee attention on your topic and reduce wandering eyes, premature questions, etc. If you are going to do that be sure to tell your audience that they'll receive it at the end and there will be time for review and questions at the conclusion of your presentation.

6) Never finish a program without establishing the ground rules relative to what is happening next. For example, say this at the end of your presentation (following review and Q&A) Ask this question: "What are the next steps; Where do we go from here?" Don't leave the room without an answer to that question.

Never forget, persuasion is key to sales. Don't overlook how critical it is in a group setting. However, sometimes no matter how persuasive you are, poor mechanics in a group setting can derail you, too!