You've just delivered a great presentation to your audience, but your work is not done yet. Following up with them is a crucial step to reinforce your message, get feedback, and build relationships. How do you follow up with your audience after a presentation? Here are some tips to help you do it effectively.
The first thing you should do after your presentation is to send a thank-you note to your audience. This shows your appreciation for their time and attention, and reminds them of the key points you covered. You can use email, social media, or a handwritten card, depending on the size and formality of your audience. Make sure to personalize your note, address any questions or comments they had, and include a call to action, such as inviting them to contact you for more information or to sign up for your newsletter.
At the start of the presentation, I always thank the host for inviting me to present and at the end of a presentation, it is good to have your contact information such as Linked In and mention that people can contact you directly so that people are aware that you are open to answering questions etc at a later date.
Another important way to follow up with your audience is to ask for feedback. Feedback helps you improve your presentation skills, understand your audience's needs and expectations, and measure the impact of your message. You can ask for feedback in different ways, such as using a survey, a feedback form, or a poll. You can also encourage your audience to share their opinions and experiences on social media, using a hashtag or a tag. Be sure to thank them for their feedback, acknowledge their suggestions, and address any concerns they have.
One of the goals of your presentation is to provide value to your audience and to spark their interest in your topic. To keep them engaged and informed, you can share additional resources with them after your presentation. These can be articles, videos, podcasts, books, or anything else that relates to your topic and adds value. You can share these resources via email, social media, or a website, depending on what suits your audience best. You can also use these resources to reinforce your main points, answer any questions they may have, or offer them more opportunities to learn from you.
I have previously given each attendee a doc wallet with slide copies and any side notes to jot their memory when/if they review. I include an email and telephone number should they have any questions at a later date and a small gift for their time, usually something like a time tracking free trial code if doing a presentation on productivity, a free session for one of my services or something similar. I also ask before the presentation if they wish to leave some of their business cards behind to do so, and I hand out a set to each attendee. The presentation isnt just about me, those attending have something in common to the others, they came to see the same presentation, so why not explore the possibility of synergy with each other too?!
If your presentation was intended to generate leads for your business or organization, you need to follow up with them promptly and professionally. Leads are potential customers or clients who have expressed interest in your product or service, and you want to convert them into loyal customers or clients. To follow up with leads, you need to have a clear and consistent system to track them, contact them, and nurture them. You can use tools like CRM software, email marketing, or phone calls to do this. You also need to have a clear value proposition, a compelling offer, and a strong call to action to persuade them to take the next step.
The last tip to follow up with your audience after a presentation is to stay in touch with them. This means maintaining a regular and meaningful communication with them, and building a long-term relationship. You can do this by sending them newsletters, updates, invitations, or thank-you gifts, depending on the nature and purpose of your presentation. You can also connect with them on social media, join their networks, or attend their events. By staying in touch, you can increase your credibility, visibility, and trustworthiness, and create more opportunities for collaboration or business.
You should collect email addresses ahead of time by asking your attendees to register for your presentation with an email address. After the presentation, you can follow up with your audience by emailing them and thanking them for their time. This email is also an opportunity for you to summarize your key points and your call to action.