How can you stand out with your presentation portfolio in a competitive job market?

1 Choose your best samples

The first step to creating a presentation portfolio is to select your best samples that represent your range, style, and expertise. You don't need to include every presentation you ever gave, but rather focus on the ones that are relevant to your target audience, showcase your achievements, and reflect your personal brand. Choose samples that have a clear purpose, message, and outcome, and that demonstrate your skills in storytelling, design, delivery, and interaction.

2 Organize and format your portfolio

The next step is to organize and format your portfolio in a way that is easy to access, navigate, and view. You can use a platform like SlideShare, YouTube, or Vimeo to upload your slides and videos, or create your own website or blog to host your portfolio. Make sure your portfolio is consistent, professional, and visually appealing, and that it includes your name, contact information, and a brief introduction or bio. You can also add captions, descriptions, or summaries to provide context and highlight the key points of each sample.

3 Showcase your feedback and impact

Another way to stand out with your presentation portfolio is to showcase your feedback and impact. This means including testimonials, reviews, ratings, or endorsements from your previous audiences, clients, or colleagues, as well as any metrics, data, or results that show the outcomes or benefits of your presentations. For example, you can include quotes from satisfied customers, awards or recognition you received, or statistics on how your presentation increased sales, engagement, or awareness. This will help you establish your credibility, reputation, and value as a speaker.

4 Update and refine your portfolio

The final step is to update and refine your portfolio regularly. You don't want to have a stale or outdated portfolio that doesn't reflect your current skills, goals, or achievements. You should review your portfolio periodically and add new samples, remove old ones, or revise existing ones to keep it fresh and relevant. You should also solicit feedback from others and use it to improve your portfolio and your presentation skills. By updating and refining your portfolio, you will show that you are committed to learning and growing as a speaker.

5 Share and promote your portfolio

Once you have created your presentation portfolio, you need to share and promote it to reach your target audience and showcase your skills. You can use social media, email, or online platforms to share your portfolio with your network, potential employers, or clients. You can also include a link to your portfolio in your resume, cover letter, or business card. You can also use your portfolio as a tool to pitch yourself for speaking opportunities, such as conferences, webinars, or podcasts. By sharing and promoting your portfolio, you will increase your visibility, exposure, and opportunities as a speaker.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?