Back in the old days, and yes it has been that long for me, I remember classmates making presentations for college classes wherein it was a complete snooze fest. Why you ask. Despite having a PowerPoint presentation, all they did was read what was on the screen, which was not even bullet points, they talked like there was no tomorrow, and to top it off, they printed out what was on the screen, and distributed that to the class. What was the fun in that?
Well. That’s where I did things a little differently. I did Flash or Movie presentations, with sounds, effects, pictures, and motion. You could hear the class oohing and aahing during my report – and even if I never paid attention to any lectures or passed any tests, I still managed to get the minimum grade (please don’t take this against me - I really didn’t like this particular class - haha.)
Here’s how we can do it in a time where everything has moved from personal to technological. So, let’s go back to basics.
#1 Attention
The number rule is that you have about 7 minutes to keep your audience’s attention. After that. Sayonara.
You must keep them interested. In other words – oohing and aahing the whole time.
Keep your presentation short and precise. I had a teacher in high school who said, talk like you are explaining it a 2-year-old. Odd advice right, weirdly enough, it has always worked for me. Even when applying for jobs. Keep it Straight to the point.
Another thing. If you don’t understand it, neither will your audience.
“The Main Thing is to Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing. ”
#2 Delivery
Be charming, witty, funny, and confident. Know your stuff. You can’t possibly give a presentation, if you don’t seem to know what you are talking about.
Remember, you are selling yourself whenever you are doing these exhibitions. It’s a show. If you don’t introduce yourself well, how well do you know your business either?
Delivery is key. Plus, a little extra effort for the client also goes a long way.
What does this mean? During the meeting, go the extra mile to find out what their favorite coffee or pastry and serve it to them, or something to that effect. Part of making their experience involves all their senses - Just like in Disneyland. Did you know that they pump scents into the different areas in the park, because smell is a strong trigger for memory.
So bottom line, give them a good experience, good presentation, good food, good memory equals SOLD.
“People Do Not Buy Goods and Services.
They Buy Relations, Stories, and Magic.”
#3 Design
Remember the times when you pick up a magazine and don’t want to put it down. Notice the design and features they have. There’s a reason why that is so.
I can go on and on and on about this. I’ve taken classes on graphic design, typesetting, web design, even fashion design. I’ve worked with graphic designers who’ve further explained color, layout, and design. I’ve learned so much that there is no time to share it all. But let’s have our wonderful friends from Canva.com share their expertise with you all.
I love this article. It hits the spot. All these things they talk about, is pretty much how to keep your audience’s attention by using simple design elements. It will grasp your client’s curiosity long enough to consider what you are selling. Which is YOU!
“Why Do Anything Unless It Is Going to be Great?”
#4 YOU
Be careful what you are wearing. Believe it or not. Whether you are doing this online or in person, what you are wearing is a big deal. It says a lot about you. We may no longer need to wear suits and ties, but a clean non-wrinkled shirt still does make a difference.
In high school, I was taught how much jewelry to wear. I was told to always dress to impress. Found that annoying, but now, I do realize that I don’t have to dress in skirts, dresses, or a full suit to look my best. I look just as wonderful in a pair of jeans, just so long as I wear a dressy shirt, match it with a nice pair of (faux) pearl earrings and necklace, and there we go. Don’t even have to wear make-up, which fyi, I really hate.
Also, when adding your photo to your website, materials, or social media, same idea here. Look your best. You don’t have to hire a photographer, but don’t just take some selfie and post it. Take time to prepare. Don’t take your photo after a very long, crazy day. Don’t overly use filters either. Keep it simple. Simple is good.
“Nothing Will Work Unless You Do.”
#5 How does this relate to our templates
Well, remember the templates you create are an extension of who you are, you give it to your clients. They look at the book you created. You give a part of yourself in your work, and they will see that. If they don’t like what they see, will they buy what you are offering?
Our templates are meant to help you show your clients what makes you better than your competition. These templates are also ready when you need to show it to that target client you’ve been eyeing.
Remember here at Productive and Free we offer you strategic time-saving templates, to help you be productive and free as you continue to grow your dream business.
With our blog, our templates, our lead magnets, that is our aim.
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Over to you
Share your own experiences how you made your clients just as interested when making presentations and what you do to take that extra step to impress them.
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