4.1.4 effective use of slide presentations

11 Tips on How to Make a Good Presentation

• By Judhajit Sen
• May 24, 2024

A great presentation can leave a lasting impression, much like a well-composed piece of music. Just as a composer knows when each note should strike, a good speaker knows how to captivate their audience.

No one becomes a great presenter overnight. It takes practice and patience. Everyone has had a presentation go badly at some point, but these experiences are part of the learning process.  Public speaking and effective presentation skills are important in any setting, whether you’re pitching ideas to clients, presenting to your team, or participating in meetings.

Feeling nervous before a PowerPoint presentation is normal. 15-30% of people fear public speaking and social anxiety has increased by 12% in the past 20 years . However, learning how to give a killer presentation can help overcome these fears and build confidence.

Throughout your career, you’ll likely be asked to give many memorable presentations. While there are different approaches, a few tips on how to make a good presentation can boost your confidence and audience engagement strategies . Developing upon the tips for a good presentation is a lifelong pursuit, so be patient and avoid making mistakes.

Top-notch presentation slides can drive action, whether you’re winning over stakeholders, conveying a powerful message, or securing funding. Being an excellent presenter isn’t limited to the boardroom. It’s a valuable skill in any field, from academia to non-profits to student projects. Mastering the important things in presentation can be a game-changer.

Following are 11 tips for giving a good presentation.

Key Takeaways

• Preparation and practice are essential for giving a great presentation.
• Start strong by capturing your audience’s attention with engaging anecdotes or questions.
• Keep your presentation simple, organized, and visually appealing to enhance audience understanding.
• Maintain confidence, utilize storytelling, eye contact, and positive body language to capture your audience’s attention.

Deliver a Solid Start

The first moments of your presentation are crucial for capturing your audience’s attention. Like a movie trailer, your opening  sets the tone for the rest of the show. Here are some presentation tips for a strong start.

To grab attention, use a quote from a well-known and likable person. Quotes can lend credibility and connect with the audience.

Ask a rhetorical question to create intrigue and get your audience thinking. This approach can draw them into your topic right away.

Start with an anecdote that adds context to your talk. Personal stories or relatable examples can make your message more compelling and memorable.

Consider involving your audience in an interactive problem-solving puzzle or riddle. This can spark curiosity and make your presentation more engaging from the outset.

Keep your opening simple and exciting. You might break the ice with a tasteful, humorous comment related to your topic to warm up the audience.

Explain the purpose of your presentation in one clear sentence, free of jargon. Emphasize what participants will gain to make them more invested in your talk.

Begin at a natural pace—not too fast and not too slow—to establish a strong and positive image.  Finally, make a strong ending statement that reinforces the objectives of your presentation, leaving a lasting impression.

Starting with these effective presentation techniques can hook your audience throughout the presentation and set the stage for a compelling slideshow.

Keep Your Presentation Simple

One of the best ways to make a presentation is to keep it simple. Before you start, think about your audience members and their knowledge level. Tailor your content so it’s easy for them to follow. For instance, entry-level workers might need a basic overview, while C-suite leaders may prefer detailed insights. Focus on what you want your audience to remember and highlight those important points. Using bullet points for presentations can help viewers quickly identify the most critical information.

When creating your presentation, simplicity is essential. Many presenters use the “10-20-30” rule:

• Have ten or fewer slides.
• Keep your talk under 20 minutes.
• Use at least a 30-point font.

This approach keeps your presentation clear and engaging. Remember, your voice, explanations, and body language are just as crucial as your templates.

Keep your salient ideas to three or fewer points and mention them at the beginning and end of your presentation. This repetition helps the audience remember your main message. Avoid jargon and complex terms. Clear and simple language helps your audience to understand and retain the information.

Restrict each slide to five bullet points with only five words per point and show each for about five seconds. This keeps your presentation concise and prevents overload. Simple presentations are more engaging and effective, helping ensure your message is delivered clearly.

Create a Compelling Presentation Structure

To prepare for a presentation, organize your information clearly and compellingly with a presentation outline . Put yourself in your audience’s shoes and consider how to present your content. Giving a presentation should be logical, cohesive, and supported by evidence to strengthen your main points.

Don’t give away all the answers too quickly. Build a story that guides your audience through your thought process, keeping them engaged with the journey to your conclusion. This method keeps their interest and helps them follow along with your ideas. Ending with a Q&A session can also address any lingering questions or concerns.

Start with a captivating introduction to grab attention. Then, present your main points logically, building on each other, and finish with a strong conclusion that leaves a lasting impression. A well-structured presentation helps your audience follow you effortlessly and ensures they leave with a clear understanding of your message.

Using professionally designed templates can also enhance the clarity and coherence of your presentation. These templates highlight your main points and make your message more memorable for your audience.

Use Visual Presentation Aids

Visual aids can elevate your presentation and help your audience. Incorporate a mix of photos, videos, and props to engage your listeners and highlight your main points.

For example, if you’re presenting on anthropology, showing an artifact can help the audience understand the excitement of a discovery. If your presentation is long, including a video can give you a break and create new starting points for your speech.

Visual presentation aids can help explain complex concepts. Use infographics, graphs, charts, photographs, animation and videos to support your points. However, avoid overloading your ppt with too much text or information. A clear and simple visual is more effective than a cluttered one.

Well-chosen visuals create a professional look and capture your audience’s attention. Eye-catching designs should complement your message without overshadowing it. While a picture is worth a thousand words, less is often more.

Capture your audience’s attention with interactive elements like questions, polls, or group activities. This involvement makes them more invested in your presentation’s success. Animated elements can also bring your presentation to life, adding depth and clarity to your message.

Overall, visual aids should support and enhance your presentation, making it more engaging.

Incorporate Design Techniques, Trends, and Principles

Design techniques and trends can make your presentation more engaging and effective. Advanced technology gives you many tools to create visually appealing presentations. However, use these tools wisely to avoid distractions. Here are some tips:

– Avoid placing blocks of small text on a slide.

– Choose a minimalistic background instead of a busy one.

–  Ensure your text is readable against the best  colors for your presentation .

– Use only high-resolution photos.

– Maintain consistent font style and size throughout.

– Don’t overuse transitions and effects.

Incorporate universal design principles to cater to a diverse audience with various knowledge levels, abilities, and learning styles. Here are a few suggestions:

– Use large fonts for better readability.

– Make the presentation available to participants beforehand.

– Be ready to provide materials in different formats, like electronic text, audio, large print, or Braille.

– Show captioned videos or provide transcriptions if needed.

– Arrange for sign language interpreters if requested.

– Speak clearly, use a microphone if necessary, and always face your audience.

– Ensure the room is well-lit.

– Use multimedia presentation elements like videos, props, and handouts to enhance your presentation.

Pace your presentation thoughtfully. Design your templates to cover all essential points without rushing or dragging. Respect your audience’s time to maintain their interest.

By following these design principles, you can create a polished, professional presentation that effectively communicates your message and keeps your audience engaged.

Utilize the 10-20-30 Rule

One practical tip for a good presentation is following the 10-20-30 rule , popularized by Guy Kawasaki, a well-known venture capitalist and former Apple marketing specialist. This rule suggests that the best presentations have fewer than ten slides, last no more than 20 minutes, and uses a font size of 30 points.

By sticking to ten slides, you focus on the most critical points. Keeping your presentation within 20 minutes ensures it stays engaging and respects your audience’s time. Using a 30-point font makes your text easy to read and helps emphasize critical messages.

The 10-20-30 rule encourages you to keep your presentation short, sweet, and impactful. Your audience will appreciate the clarity and brevity, making your message more memorable.

Weave Stories

One powerful tip for making a good presentation is to master the art of storytelling in business presentations . Sharing a personal story can boost your credibility in a speech . When the audience connects with you, they’re more likely to pay attention and engage with your presentation.

If you’re uncomfortable sharing personal stories, use examples from famous individuals or create fictional accounts to illustrate your ideas. The key is to start your presentation with something engaging, like an interesting question, problem, or quote. This sets the stage and captures your audience’s attention right away.

Storytelling in sales helps make your concepts and ideas relatable. It adds context and depth, allowing the audience to understand and connect with your message. Whether you share a personal experience, a case study presentation , or an inspiring success story, make sure it supports your main points.

Additionally, adjust your pitch, pace, and volume to match the emotions and intensity of your story. Varying your speaking voice can add depth and enhance your stage presence, making your story even more compelling.

Weaving stories into your presentation can captivate your audience and create a lasting impact. It builds connections and makes your message memorable, ensuring your audience stays engaged throughout.

Leverage Eye Contact and Body Language  

Eye contact and body language play crucial roles in making a good presentation. Here are some key takeaways to help you master them.

Maintain eye contact with your audience. You don’t have to stare directly into their eyes; focusing on their foreheads or noses works too. Try to make eye contact with as many people as possible for 3–5 seconds each to engage them without making anyone feel uncomfortable or ignored.

Keep your body language in presentations open and engaging. Avoid crossing your arms and try to move around the stage instead of standing still. Use hand gestures to emphasize important points, but make sure they flow naturally with your speech.

Incorporate movement into your presentation to keep your audience focused and engaged. If you’re nervous, start small by making gestures toward your slides or using different parts of the stage to address everyone in the audience.

Your nonverbal communication should support your message. Move around the stage gracefully instead of staying in one place, and avoid hiding behind a podium if possible. Maintain a good posture  to  convey enthusiasm and confidence.

By warmly welcoming your audience, maintaining eye contact, and using expressive gestures and varied tones, you can draw your audience’s attention and make your presentation more engaging. Stand tall, connect with your audience through eye contact, and use movement purposefully to emphasize key points. With a sprinkle of enthusiasm and charisma, you can keep your audience glued to the edge of their seats from start to finish.

Practice Your Presentation

Preparing and practicing are essential steps to making a good presentation. Here are some key takeaways to help you get ready.

Practicing doesn’t guarantee perfection, but it does lead to progress. Rehearse with a trusted friend or family member. Use their feedback to refine your presentation. Remember, the person you practice with may have a different perspective from your intended audience, so consider their opinions with this in mind.

After putting your presentation together:

• Dedicate time to preparing your talking points.
• Ask friends or colleagues to listen to a test run and provide honest feedback on your visuals, speaking voice, and body language.
• Avoid memorizing your speech word for word; prepare simple talking points to guide your presentation.
• Speak openly and confidently about your subject.

Use a strong speaking voice while practicing your presentation. Speak at the right volume and tone, ensuring your audience can hear you clearly without straining. Test your volume in the presentation space beforehand and consider using a microphone if needed.

Believe in the importance of your message and visualize yourself giving a great speech. Organize your material in a way that suits you best, whether it’s a script, outline, or notes. Proofread all printed materials and practice, practice, practice to iron out any kinks and add polish to your presentation.

Seek feedback from colleagues or friends, record your presentation for self-analysis, and evaluate your performance through anonymous surveys. Incorporate suggestions for improvement into future presentations.

Finally, overcome stage fright by arriving early, familiarizing yourself with your material, and taking deep breaths. Don’t hesitate to ask for help and seek feedback as you give your presentation one last polish before the big day. With preparation and practice, you’re ready to deliver a successful presentation!

Exude Confidence

Making a good presentation involves more than just the content—it’s about your mindset, too. Here are some tips to help you stay calm and confident.

Before your presentation, take deep breaths to calm your nerves. Feeling rushed can increase nervousness and make you stumble on your words. Approach your presentation calmly to put both yourself and your audience at ease.

Remember to enjoy the process of creating and presenting your information. It’s a significant accomplishment, so take pleasure in it. If you feel anxious beforehand, try a power pose—stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, fists on your hips, chin held high, and a soft smile. This posture boosts confidence and reduces nerves. Take several deep breaths to calm your mind further.

After your presentation, reward yourself in a meaningful way. Be proud of your achievement, and don’t hesitate to ask for feedback to improve future presentations.

Feeling nervous before a talk or workshop is normal—it shows that you care about doing well. Use that nervous energy to your advantage by channeling it into dynamic energy about your topic. Remind yourself that you and your audience share the same goal, and they want you to succeed. Stick to what you know to build confidence and minimize nervousness.

Focus on delivering your message rather than how you feel internally. Maintain a relaxed, poised demeanor, even if you’re feeling nervous. Acting relaxed can help you feel more relaxed.

And remember, the more presentations you give, the more your anxieties will decrease. Keep presenting and practicing, and you’ll become more confident over time.

End with a Clear Call to Action

Ending with a solid call to action for your presentation is crucial. This final step should motivate your audience to take a specific action, whether it’s changing their habits or reaching out to you for your services.

When speaking to clients, consider creating presentation handouts with key points and your contact information. Include your LinkedIn profile, email address, and phone number so they can give you various ways to reach you.

Remember, last impressions linger. Leave your audience with a clear takeaway. Finish with a compelling call to action or an inspiring thought that will resonate with them long after you end a presentation . This ensures your message sticks and encourages your audience to act.

Wrap-Up: How to Make a Good Presentation

Delivering good presentation qualities is like composing music; it requires practice and precision. Confidence and clear communication are essential, whether you’re pitching ideas or leading a meeting. Nervousness is common, but preparation and practice can help overcome this. Start strong by capturing your audience’s attention with engaging anecdotes or thought-provoking questions. Keeping your presentation simple and organized helps your audience follow along. Visual aids and design principles enhance your message, making it more memorable.

Using the 10-20-30 rule—10 slides, 20 minutes, 30-point font—ensures clarity and conciseness. Incorporate stories to make your message relatable and maintain eye contact and affirmative body language to engage your audience. Rehearse thoroughly to boost your confidence and seek feedback to improve. Enjoy the process and reward yourself for your efforts.

Finally, end with a clear call to action to inspire your audience to act. Provide your contact information and summarize key points to leave a lasting impression. Master these good presentation characteristics, and you’ll be well on your way to cultivating effective presentation skills.

1. How can I capture my audience’s attention at the beginning of my presentation?

Starting strong is critical. To set the stage for a compelling presentation, you can use a quote, ask a rhetorical question, share a relatable anecdote, or involve your audience in an interactive activity. Keep it simple and exciting.

2. How can I make a presentation clear and engaging?

Keeping your presentation simple is crucial. Tailor your content to your audience’s knowledge level, use the “10-20-30” rule (10 slides, 20 minutes, 30-point font), and highlight three key points. Avoid jargon and complex terms for better understanding.

3. How do you make a presentation structure effective?

Organize your information logically, starting with a captivating introduction, presenting the main points in a logical order, and ending with a firm conclusion. Use professionally designed templates to enhance clarity and coherence.

4. Why are visual aids necessary, and how can I use them effectively?

Visual aids enhance your presentation and make complex concepts easier to understand. Use a mix of photos, videos, and props, but avoid overloading slides with text. Engage your audience with interactive elements and well-chosen visuals that complement your message.

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Whether you pitch to clients, lead a team meeting, or present in an academic setting, Prezentium is your partner for success. Contact us today to revolutionize your next presentation and leave a lasting impression on your audience!

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What Is SWOT Analysis And How To Use It In A Presentation

4 tips to craft a winning pecha kucha style presentation, the 10 slides, 20 minutes and 30 point font rule for presentations.

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4.1.4 Quiz Review

10 questions

Introducing new   Paper mode

No student devices needed.   Know more

What is cognitive overload?

The notion that too many images can create fatigue in the audience.

The concept that too much textual information needs to be balanced with media.

A theory backed by current research that states that the human mind can only comprehend five new concepts in an hour.

A state of confusion brought on by a person processing too much information at once.

Why would you use a bulleted list in a slide presentation?

To compare data for the audience

To show how data changes over the course of time

To help organize your text so it's easier for the audience to read

To share audio with the audience

All attendees in the corporate development meeting agreed that they should outline their material before creating slides. What do you think is the main reason they agreed to that?

Outlining information will create a more organized and effective presentation.

An outline is a good way to work with others in a team.

An outline is the quickest way to present information.

An outline can be shared with everyone very quickly.

What are the three main parts to a slide presentation's structure?

Main idea, body, and summary

Body, conclusion, and references

Introduction, body, and conclusion

Thesis statement, supporting evidence, and concluding quotes

Why is it important to not let the slides distract attention from you?

You should be presenting the bulk of the information, not the slides

Too much focus on the slides will lead to cognitive overload.

When people focus too much on the slides, they may be receiving the wrong information.

Actually, it is a good thing when your audience focuses primarily on your slides.

Of the following choices, which slide would most likely cause cognitive overload?

A slide with a video that is extremely loud

A slide with two images that you use to conduct a compare and contrast exercise

A slide with a complex graph

A slide with five bullet points of text, a graph, video, and pie chart

What is a good principle to implement when you find yourself attempting to put too much information on a single slide?

If you have too much on a slide, take a lot of time on that slide to explain it.

Less is more.

Always use at least one piece of media per slide.

Make sure to outline your information accordingly.

Alexa hoped that a good outline will accomplish which of the following for her presentation?

Help her distinguish between main topics and subtopics.

Let her find the ways in which competing theories disagree with her ideas.

Encourage her to describe in length the information on her slides.

Enable her to use media more efficiently.

Why are images and video important when you can simply describe what it is you want to explain?

The responsible use of visuals can help keep your audience engaged, informed, and entertained.

Media is an excellent source of entertainment.

Media is easy to use and slide presentations can accommodate all types of media.

Images are not that important, and should be avoided unless essential.

Which of the following are excellent items to bring to your slide presentation if you think that your audience needs more detailed information?

Photo albums

More detailed graphs

Infographics that present numerical data

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How to Summarize a PowerPoint Presentation: Tips and Tricks for Techies

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• How to Summarize a PowerPoint Presentation: Tips and Tricks for Techies - May 25, 2024

Have you ever sat through a lengthy PowerPoint presentation and struggled to recall the key points? As a presenter, it’s important to keep your audience engaged and ensure that they leave with a clear understanding of the main takeaways. One effective way to achieve this is by summarizing your presentation. In this article, I will share my personal experience and provide tips on how to summarize a PowerPoint presentation effectively.

When I first started presenting, I would often include too much information on each slide, making it difficult for my audience to keep up. I quickly learned that summarizing my presentation helped me to focus on the key points and made it easier for my audience to follow along. Summarizing a presentation also helped me to stay within the allotted time and prevented me from going off on tangents.

To summarize a PowerPoint presentation effectively, it’s important to review the entire presentation first. This allows you to get a sense of the overall flow and the key themes. Pay attention to the title slides and the concluding slides, as they often contain the main message and summary points. Once you have a clear understanding of the presentation, you can start to identify the key points that you want to highlight in your summary.

JUMP TO TOPIC

Designing with Clarity and Purpose

Incorporating visual aids and media, utilizing ai tools for enhanced productivity, identifying main points, creating a compelling summary slide, effective use of speech and body language, interactive elements and audience participation, exploring powerpoint’s ai capabilities, customizing presentations with advanced tools, crafting an effective powerpoint presentation.

When it comes to crafting an effective PowerPoint presentation, there are a few key elements to keep in mind. These include designing with clarity and purpose, incorporating visual aids and media, and utilizing AI tools for enhanced productivity.

To design a PowerPoint presentation with clarity and purpose, it is important to choose a theme that is both visually appealing and easy to read. Microsoft PowerPoint and Google Slides offer a variety of templates and themes to choose from, so take the time to explore your options and choose one that fits the content of your presentation.

In addition to choosing a theme, it is important to use a consistent font and color scheme throughout your presentation. This will help to create a cohesive and professional look that is easy for your audience to follow.

Visual aids and media can be a powerful tool for enhancing the effectiveness of your PowerPoint presentation. This can include images, videos, and other multimedia elements that help to illustrate your points and capture the attention of your audience.

When incorporating visual aids and media, it is important to use them strategically and sparingly. Too much visual stimulation can be overwhelming and distracting, so choose your images and media carefully and use them to enhance your message rather than detract from it.

Finally, AI-powered tools like Microsoft Copilot can be a valuable asset when it comes to creating an effective PowerPoint presentation. These tools can help to automate repetitive tasks and suggest content and design elements that are tailored to your specific needs.

When utilizing AI tools, it is important to remember that they are meant to enhance your creativity and productivity, not replace it. Use these tools as a starting point and then customize the content and design of your presentation to fit your unique needs and style.

In summary, crafting an effective PowerPoint presentation requires careful attention to detail and a focus on clarity, purpose, and visual appeal. By following these tips and utilizing the right tools, you can create a presentation that is both engaging and informative for your audience.

Summarizing Key Points for Impact

As I mentioned earlier, summarizing a PowerPoint presentation involves distilling complex ideas or data into concise and easily understandable points. In this section, I will discuss the two most important aspects of summarizing key points for impact: identifying main points and creating a compelling summary slide.

To effectively summarize a presentation, it is important to identify the main points. This involves reviewing the entire presentation and paying close attention to the title slides and concluding slides. These slides often contain the main message and summary points. Additionally, it is important to identify the key themes and supporting data points that reinforce the main message.

One effective way to identify the main points is to create an outline of the presentation. This can be done by breaking down the presentation into sections and identifying the main idea or message of each section. Once you have identified the main points, you can then prioritize them based on their importance and relevance to the overall message of the presentation.

A compelling summary slide is an essential component of an effective presentation summary. This slide should contain the main points of the presentation in a concise and visually appealing format. It should be easy to read and understand, and it should capture the audience’s attention.

One effective way to create a compelling summary slide is to use visuals such as graphs, charts, or images to illustrate the main points. Additionally, it is important to use clear and concise language that summarizes the main points in a way that is easy to understand.

To make the summary slide more impactful, it is also important to include a call to action. This can be a simple statement that encourages the audience to take action based on the information presented in the presentation. For example, if the presentation is promoting a product or service, the call to action could be to visit the company’s website or contact the sales team for more information.

Overall, summarizing key points for impact requires careful consideration of the main message and supporting data points. By identifying the main points and creating a compelling summary slide, you can effectively summarize a PowerPoint presentation and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Engaging Your Audience

When it comes to delivering a PowerPoint presentation, engaging your audience is crucial. It is not enough to simply present your material; you must also find ways to connect with your audience and keep them interested throughout the presentation. In this section, I will discuss some effective methods for engaging your audience during a PowerPoint presentation.

One of the most important ways to engage your audience during a PowerPoint presentation is through effective use of speech and body language. It is important to speak clearly and confidently, using a tone of voice that is both engaging and informative. Additionally, your body language can play a significant role in engaging your audience. Make eye contact with your audience, use natural gestures, and move around the stage to keep your audience’s attention.

Another effective way to engage your audience during a PowerPoint presentation is through the use of interactive elements and audience participation. This can include things like polls, quizzes, and other interactive elements that allow your audience to participate actively in the presentation. Additionally, you can encourage audience participation by asking questions, soliciting feedback, and inviting discussion throughout the presentation.

In conclusion, engaging your audience during a PowerPoint presentation is essential for delivering an effective and memorable presentation. By using effective speech and body language, as well as incorporating interactive elements and audience participation, you can keep your audience engaged and interested throughout the presentation.

Leveraging PowerPoint’s Advanced Features

As a frequent user of PowerPoint, I am always exploring ways to enhance my presentations. PowerPoint offers a wealth of advanced features that can help you customize and summarize your presentations. In this section, I will explore some of the most useful features that can help you take your presentations to the next level.

One of the most exciting features of PowerPoint is its AI capabilities. With the help of Microsoft 365, PowerPoint can now create intelligent slides that can summarize your presentation in real-time. By using the Copilot feature, you can ask PowerPoint to summarize your presentation, and it will automatically generate a bulleted summary of the key points. This can save you a lot of time and effort, especially if you need to create a summary of a long presentation.

PowerPoint also offers a range of advanced tools that can help you customize your presentations. For example, you can use the ribbon to access a range of functions that can help you create charts, diagrams, and other visual aids. You can also use the ribbon to customize the functionality of your presentation, such as adding animations and transitions.

If you have a Microsoft 365 subscription, you can also take advantage of the subscription benefits that come with it. These benefits include access to a range of templates, themes, and other design tools that can help you create professional-looking presentations. You can also use the subscription to access a range of advanced features, such as the ability to collaborate with others on your presentations.

In conclusion, PowerPoint offers a range of advanced features that can help you take your presentations to the next level. By exploring the AI capabilities and customizing your presentations with advanced tools, you can create engaging and informative presentations that will capture your audience’s attention.

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Effective Sales Presentations: 11 Tips to Win Deals + Templates

What makes a sales presentation truly effective?

Is it that secret-sauce font, the comprehensive case studies, intricate graphs, or your shining personality? Or is it… something else?

It might seem like a simple question, but understanding the answer unlocks a world of opportunities for sales reps.

If your sales presentations are truly effective, they should accomplish these 4 things:

• Give prospects confidence in your brand
• Develop a deep relationship and mutual understanding of needs and priorities
• Convince potential customers of the value of your product
• Give clear direction for the next conversation

How many of your recent sales meetings have fallen short of these results?

A study by Forrester of more than 300 C-level buyers found that many reps are lacking key information for a successful sales meeting:

Put simply, most salespeople go into meetings:

• Unprepared for questions
• Without knowledge of the business or industry they’re selling to
• Without understanding the prospect’s situation and problems
• Without relevant social proof

Want to avoid falling into the trap of generic, ineffective sales presentations?

While preparing for and delivering a really good sales presentation isn’t an exact science, the following best practices will lead you to better results.

Let’s dive into the top methods sales professionals are using to nail their presentations and deliver killer sales pitches .

How to Prepare the Perfect Sales Pitch Presentation

Think you can get away with giving a great sales presentation on the fly? Think again. A PowerPoint presentation that was thrown together over lunch is not going to impress your decision-makers.

Preparation is a key aspect of every effective sales presentation.

Here are five ways you can prepare for success:

1. Set a Clear Agenda

Your sales presentation is built to guide the conversation and gives you a structure to work with throughout the meeting. But the prospect doesn’t know how your presentation is structured.

Does this situation sound familiar?

Prospect: “This is really interesting, but how does your product solve XYZ?”

You : “Actually, we’ll talk about that in a few slides. Anyway, as I was saying…”

These kinds of interruptions are common, and the popular response of “We’ll get to that” doesn’t normally go over very well with prospects.

Here’s how to avoid this: Set a clear agenda for the conversation, and share that with your prospects.

This could mean sharing an outline of the presentation topics you’ve prepared, or it can mean sharing the whole sales presentation with your prospect.

This way, your prospect can review the information before your meeting, see where you’ll cover certain topics, and save their questions for the right moment.

2. Adapt Your Script and Presentation

Above, we saw that 77 percent of reps enter meetings without a clear understanding of the issues that their prospect is facing, or areas where they can help.

There are two clear ways to fix this problem:

First, do your homework. The more you know about your potential client's business and current situation, the better. Also, try to understand their industry and target audience, read up on current news in the sector, and get a feel for the particular pain points this person is likely feeling the most.

Second, base your presentation and accompanying sales script on your ideal customer profile. If your sales team has multiple ideal customer profiles to sell to, discover which profile this prospect fits into and base your arguments, questions, and main points on the specific needs of this profile.

3. Pick Three Main Points for Each Prospect

No matter how many crazy statistics and fun features you throw at your prospect, they’re still only human. Shocking, we know.

In other words, they’ll probably forget at least half of what you say.

To create effective sales presentations that your prospects will remember, focus on three main bullet points that you want to highlight.

This isn’t a number we pulled from a hat. It’s based on an experiment performed by Kurt A. Carlson and Suzanne B. Shu. Their study found that, when your audience knows you’re trying to persuade them, the ideal number of positive claims to make is three. After four claims, your audience will start to become more and more skeptical of anything you say.

The title of their paper is a catchy phrase to help you remember this principle: Three Charms but Four Alarms .

So, go through your slides and pick three key points that you want your prospect to remember. Maybe these will be product features or maybe not, but once again, base these points on the real, felt needs of your prospect. You’ll see better results.

During the presentation, draw your audience's attention to these points as you introduce new ideas. Phrases like these draw attention at the right moments:

• Here’s the point…
• This is crucial…
• But this is what matters…
• But it gets even better...
• This next point is really important...
• This is what XYZ could mean for you, Jack…

And make sure these key points lead directly where you want them to—to your call to action. If they aren’t leading you to that, what’s the point?

For more, check out this video, where I talked in-depth about captivating and directing your prospect's attention during a sales conversation. Remember: whether you're delivering in-person or via video conferencing, maintaining eye contact and using body language to draw attention to main points works.

4. Use Visuals to Show, Not Tell

A sales deck can have several different functions. For example, if your sales deck is going to be read and discussed among stakeholders at your prospect’s company, it will need to include text that explains the visuals presented.

However, if you’re giving a sales presentation with that deck, it doesn’t need all that text.

To prepare a sales presentation for a product or service, make sure you include infographics and visuals that complement what you’re saying. You can use Canva or even a responsive whiteboard to do this.

Think of your slides as visual aids that give more meaning and context to your words.

These visuals can help to:

• Simplify complex processes
• Provide a clearer understanding of data/metrics
• Add credence to your words
• Keep your audience engaged
• Help your audience remember main points (this one is backed by science )

In short, for an effective sales presentation, keep your script and your slides separate. Use your words to add meaning to the visuals, and use your visuals to maximize the power of your words. With this approach, you will elevate your value proposition —and increase your close rate.

5. Show Them You Know Their Pain

Using a narrative in your presentation shows that you’re sympathetic to the problems your prospects are facing and that you know how to solve them.

So, what’s the narrative for your product?

Generally, the story you tell with your presentation will follow this pattern:

• There is a problem caused by a shift in the market, a change in the company’s circumstances, or the world situation
• That problem is solved, the business is saved, and your product is the hero

A compelling narrative that captures the feelings and frustrations of your prospect shows them that you understand them, you’re on the same page, and you’re here to help.

Maybe this is the story of how your product was born, to solve a problem internally at your own company. Maybe it’s the story of one of your successful customers. Or maybe it’s just a narrative that they can relate to and see themselves in.

In any case, using stories instead of just facts makes your presentation more memorable. According to one study, people only retain about 5-10 percent of the statistical information they hear. But they’ll remember 65-70 percent of the information they hear as stories.

Take advantage of this fact: Turn your data into a narrative.

Once you’ve prepared your sales deck and accompanying script, you’re ready to nail your next sales presentation.

Or are you?

Day-Of Sales Presentation Tips: Nail Your Next Sales Presentation

Ready for the big day? Here are six more tips you can use while actively presenting to your prospect, to give a truly effective sales presentation.

6. Open With Your Biggest Selling Point (Don’t Save it for the End)

Many sales reps like to save their product’s biggest selling point for the very end of their presentation, as if they’re coming to some grand crescendo.

But your prospect didn’t come to this meeting hoping to hear the Philharmonic Orchestra play Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5. So, don’t play this pitch deck like another day at the theater.

Instead, open with your big selling points. Dazzle your prospects from the get-go, and you’ll have them hooked to the end.

To be counted among the Sales Success Stories and Stars of your organization… just go for it. Get the show on the road with a big opening. Leave them in (happy) tears.

7. Ask Open-Ended Questions

To understand your prospects and to keep them engaged with your presentation, questions are essential.

But wait, if you’re giving a sales presentation, aren’t you the one that’s supposed to be doing the talking? You answer the questions, right?

True. But, how do you know if your prospect is paying attention? How can you highlight the relevant points in your presentation if you don’t know what interests them?

To engage your prospect and draw them into your presentation, ask questions like:

• Can you walk me through how your team handles [problem]?
• Have you found any clever workarounds for when [issue] happens?
• What would your ideal solution to this problem look like?
• How would you expect a solution to this problem to affect your team?

It’s true; you’ve probably asked a lot of similar questions during the qualifying stage . But with these questions, you can lead the conversation and keep your prospect engaged with what you’re saying.

Open-ended questions will also help you with the next tip:

8. Build Context Around Your Biggest Value Points and Differentiators

The same questions we shared above can help add context to what you’re saying.

Don’t just tell the prospect: “ Our product helps you solve X problem. ”

Add meaning to that value point by asking questions:

• How often do you face X problem?
• How much time/money do you lose when this happens?
• How does X problem affect the morale/productivity of your team?

When you have the numbers clear, reiterate the problem: “ So, you lose $X every week because of this problem. That’s more than $Y per year that’s going down the drain until you solve this issue. ”

Then, bring in your value point: “With our product, you could save $Z every year by eliminating this problem for your team.”

The same method works for highlighting your key differentiators.

Instead of telling prospects that your product is the best because it’s the only one that does X, lead prospects to the features and benefits that set your product apart with open-ended questions.

This creates value and context around a problem that only your product can solve.

9. Make Social Proof Engaging: Mirror the Prospect’s Situation

This data blew our minds and will probably blow yours, too: According to studies from our friends at Gong , sellers who use social proof in their sales calls have a 22 percent lower close rate .

Have you noticed a similar pattern with social proof in your sales presentations?

We all know that social proof is a powerful tool in the hands of sales reps and marketers. No need to throw out all your social media customer quotes or company testimonials. But, it must be used correctly to work effectively.

Otherwise, you could actually hurt your chances of closing.

So, what’s the correct way to use social proof in your presentations?

Favor customers that are part of this prospect’s tribe .

For example, imagine you’re selling to an SMB, and you tell them that Facebook is your customer. They’ll be impressed, sure… but they’ll also start to wonder if your product is really a good fit for their small business.

Instead, when selling to SMBs, talk about your other SMB customers. Use examples of happy customers who are in the same field or industry. Or, find customer stories that mirror this prospect—with similar pain points.

With tribal social proof, you’ll gain the respect of prospects while demonstrating that you truly “get” them.

10. Never Talk Price Before Value

Chances are, you’re talking price somewhere in this sales presentation. At this stage in the sales pipeline , it’s normal that your prospect is ready to hear what your solution will cost.

But don’t open the conversation like this.

Sometimes, you get into a room (whether in-person or virtual) with your main point of contact and important stakeholders, and the first thing they want to know is: “How much will this cost us?”

One of the golden rules of sales is this: Never talk price before value .

If you fold to the pressure and start off by talking about the price of your solution, your audience will view your product as a commodity, not as a valuable solution to their problem.

When stakeholders push you for a number, don’t be afraid to push back. If they’re insistent, turn the question back around on them:

“Before we talk about price, let me ask you this: How much will it cost your company if you don’t get these issues solved by next quarter?”

By focusing on the real monetary value that your product provides, you’ll help position your product as a premium solution, not a wholesale band-aid.

11. Keep It Less Than 10 Minutes

Did you know that every presenter at Apple’s product launches speaks for just 10 minutes or less?

This is because science tells us that the brain gets bored easily—our attention spans just can’t expand beyond a certain point. However, you can reengage your audience by introducing a change every 10 minutes.

Apply this principle to your keynote sales presentations: If you’re presenting longer than 10 minutes, the prospect’s interest will steadily decline. Wrap it up.

Our friends at Gong found that there’s a sweet spot for winning sales presentations: 9.1 minutes. It’s like the ideal elevator pitch for sales presentations.

So, stick to this rule of thumb: Keep your presentations under 10 minutes.

Sales Presentation Templates: Use These Sales Pitch Decks to Win More Deals

Want to build a stellar sales pitch presentation? Steal these presentation templates and customize them to your business—including stunning visuals, striking text, and a presentation process that wins deals.

Get the Powerpoint or Keynote version of these templates, and start creating your own effective sales presentations!

Ready to Give the Best Sales Presentation Ever?

You’ve got all the pro tips you need to nail your next presentation.

In the end, you want to demonstrate that you understand your prospect’s needs and concerns. Show you “get” them by adding a compelling narrative and including customer stories that mirror their own situation.

An effective presentation must also be engaging, which is why it’s essential to highlight three main points and add context with open-ended questions.

With this info, you’re ready to deliver a winning sales presentation. ( Psst... don't forget to use our sales presentation templates to get started!)

But what happens next? There are still some unaccounted-for areas of the sales process. If you want to really crush the follow-up and close more deals, you need a CRM to help you do it.

Close CRM does all this—and so much more. Watch our demo or try Close free for 14 days.

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