As a consultant, you know how important it is to communicate your insights and recommendations clearly and effectively to your clients. But how can you make sure they understand your presentation and follow your advice? Here are some best practices to help you achieve this goal.
Before you design and deliver your presentation, you need to know who your audience is and what they expect from you. Do some research on their background, needs, goals, challenges, preferences, and level of expertise. This will help you tailor your content, style, tone, and format to suit their interests and needs. It will also help you avoid jargon, assumptions, or irrelevant information that might confuse or bore them.
1. Know Your Audience. What do they know? What do they care about? What piece of information or solution would be of value for them? 2. Stop and ask: What do you think? What would you ask? Are you ready to go to this direction? Does this cater your needs? What needs would you think of, that are not met with our solution? 3. Stop and repeat before moving on to a next content unit 4. Do not exceed 12-15 minutes of presentation, do not go on for more than 2 minutes without stopping. 5. State your aim and content from the beginning - don't let them guessing during your presentation. 6. Keep a good pace - pay attention to your audience - they are the stars of the meeting.
Remember, as the consultant, you’ve been thinking about the topic of the meeting a lot. They probably have not. They are coming from one meeting that consumed a lot of mindshare and after your presentation they are going to another. With that in mind, make sure you carefully pick the 1-2-3 things they need to know and what 1 things you want them to do.
One thing I have found helpful is to keep the contents of the slide minimum and use the numbers in an efficient way. I always start with a question to understand what the audience thinks about a particular topic. after getting the answer I explain my presentation with those answers so they can relate to it well.
Use minimal content and lots of white space on the slides. Add your detail as notes for yourself. If the audience has different levels of understanding, keep the content high level. Leave enough time for questions, in the event someone wants a deeper level of information.
In order to make your audience trust your product/solution and presentation , it is important for you to uphold the empathy between the lines. When the user feels that they’re being heard properly, they get confident over your proposals.
A well-structured presentation is easier to follow and remember than a chaotic or disjointed one. You should have a clear and logical flow of ideas, with an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. In your introduction, you should explain the purpose, scope, and main points of your presentation. In your body, you should present your data, analysis, and recommendations, using evidence, examples, and visuals to support your claims. In your conclusion, you should summarize your key findings, implications, and action steps, and invite feedback or questions.
As a proven fundraising consultant, I believe in the power of a well-structured presentation. A clear flow of ideas, with an introduction, body, and conclusion, makes it easier for the audience to follow and remember. The introduction sets the purpose and main points, the body presents data and recommendations with evidence and visuals, and the conclusion summarizes key findings and invites feedback. A well-structured presentation is crucial for effective communication and achieving fundraising goals.
Include an agenda that outlines the main components of the presentation. Developing the agenda will help you organize and structure your content. Use visual markers or images on the slides to show where you are in the structure of your presentation.
In the finance industry, structure is paramount. Imagine presenting an investment strategy to clients. Begin by outlining the purpose, setting the stage for their financial goals. The body should present data on asset allocation, risk assessment, and potential returns, using real market examples to illustrate. Conclude by summarizing the strategy's benefits and offering a clear path for implementation. This logical structure reassures clients and ensures they grasp the investment plan's key points.
Deliver your message early in the presentation. Usually some people come late to the session, the meeting room is locked, the screen doesn't work and your key customer says "we have to finish 10 minutes early". Structure yourself so that you are able to finish suddenly and don't have to hold your audience to rush through 20 beautiful slides in the last 5 minutes because your message comes on the very last slide.
A structured presentation is like a well-written story; it has a beginning, middle, and end. ?? Start with a compelling hook in the introduction to capture attention. In the body, maintain a rhythm by balancing data with visuals - think of it as the plot twists to keep the audience engaged. ?? And for the conclusion, tie everything together with a memorable takeaway. But here's a tip I've found invaluable: always end with an open door - an invitation for feedback or a thought-provoking question. It turns a monologue into a dialogue, making your presentation a two-way street. ??
Your presentation should be easy to understand and digest for your audience. You should use simple and clear language, avoiding unnecessary jargon, acronyms, or technical terms. If you have to use them, make sure you explain them or provide a glossary. You should also use active voice, short sentences, and transitions to make your presentation more engaging and coherent. Avoid ambiguity, vagueness, or overgeneralization that might mislead or confuse your audience.
Storytelling has become a popular approach for presentations. Use few words, add simple visuals, and leave white space on the slides. Tell the story rather than reading content from the slide.
Give things one name and always use that one name. Give similar things dissimilar names. Don’t be fancy or try to communicate to much in naming. Make it easy for them to know that “things” there are and which one you are discussing.
In the legal sector, simplicity in language is pivotal. When presenting complex legal cases to a jury, using plain language is essential. Explain intricate legal terms in a way that's easily comprehensible, ensuring jurors don't get lost in legal jargon. Employ active voice, short sentences, and logical transitions to maintain engagement. Clarity and simplicity help jurors make informed decisions, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the presentation in a high-stakes legal context.
As I am from the Data Analytics background, I would prefer interactive visuals to tell my story because a picture speaks more than anyone else. I would always choose simple sentences to explain the content rather than complex ones. However if my audiences are from same class, I would go for technical complex sentences.
Talking to clients should be like having a coffee chat. Use words that don't need a dictionary, and if you have to throw in the fancy stuff, toss in a quick 'translation' too. Keep sentences snappy and go for the 'doing' words—makes everything feel alive. Picture you're breaking down blockchain for your grandma: instead of "decentralized ledger technology," you'd say "it's like a group journal that everyone can check." The goal? Keep it light, keep it clear, and keep everyone on the same page.
Visuals and stories can help you illustrate your points, capture your audience's attention, and appeal to their emotions. You should use visuals such as charts, graphs, diagrams, or images to complement your verbal message, not to replace it. You should also use stories or anecdotes to show how your insights and recommendations relate to real-life situations or problems. However, you should be careful not to overuse or misuse visuals and stories. They should be relevant, accurate, and consistent with your message, not distracting or misleading.
In the marketing industry, the power of visuals and storytelling is evident. Imagine pitching a new campaign to a client. Visuals like compelling ad mock-ups, market trend graphs, and customer journey diagrams can vividly convey your strategy. Adding stories of successful past campaigns can further resonate with the client's aspirations. However, excessive visuals or irrelevant anecdotes can dilute your message. Striking the right balance ensures a persuasive and engaging presentation that resonates with your marketing audience.
A picture speaks a thousand words, but the right story amplifies its impact. ???? When I present, visuals aren't just decorative; they're narrative enhancers. Graphs can reveal trends, images can evoke emotions, but it's the real-life anecdotes that drive points home. ???? However, a word of caution: always ensure that your visuals and stories align with your core message. Stray too far, and you risk diluting your impact. It's a balance - use visuals and tales to captivate, but always stay anchored to your main points. ????
I use visuals as a backdrop to storytelling, ensuring they serve as an anchor to the story I'm telling. It's about making the data or concept 'stick' in their minds through relatable narratives.
Some people learn better visually, while others learn better by hearing stories.Visuals and stories should be used to complement your verbal message, not to replace it. Some visuals are better suited for certain types of presentations than others. For example, charts and graphs are good for presenting data, while images and diagrams are good for illustrating concepts or processes.
Use visuals not just as standalone elements but as integral parts of a cohesive story. For instance, if presenting data on customer behavior, use infographics that depict statistics and tell the story of the customer journey - from initial contact to purchase. Accompany these visuals with narratives that bring the data to life, such as real-world examples or success stories that relate to the visual data. This method of visual storytelling helps in creating a more engaging and understandable presentation. It allows clients to visualize the story behind the numbers, making complex data more relatable and easier to grasp.
Your presentation should not be a one-way monologue, but a two-way dialogue with your audience. You should engage your audience by asking questions, soliciting feedback, encouraging participation, and acknowledging their responses. You should also use eye contact, gestures, facial expressions, and voice modulation to convey your enthusiasm, confidence, and sincerity. You should also be prepared to handle any questions, objections, or comments that your audience might have, and respond to them politely and professionally.
In the education sector, audience engagement is fundamental. When teaching a class, encourage students to participate, ask questions, and share their thoughts. Maintain eye contact, use animated gestures, and modulate your voice to keep their attention. By creating an interactive learning environment, students are more likely to grasp and retain the material. Additionally, addressing their questions and concerns ensures a productive and engaging classroom experience, fostering a positive learning atmosphere.
I have seen a few speakers presenting by reading or explaining slides point by point .This is substandard way.Slides should not be read or explained as monologue.They are complementary messages, and you should have a dialogue with your audience.Use the visuals in your presentation to start a discussion with your audience.By using visuals and stories to engage your audience in a dialogue, you can create a more engaging and informative presentation experience.
Presenting is much like a dance - it's not just about you, it's about your partner, the audience. ???? Instead of merely presenting 'to' them, I focus on conversing 'with' them. A simple question or prompt can light up faces, and an acknowledged response can build rapport. Using eye contact and gestures, I aim to bridge any distance. ?? And when curveball questions come my way, I embrace them. They're opportunities to clarify, elaborate, or even learn something new. In essence, transform your 'talk' into a 'conversation' and watch the engagement soar. ??
To keep everyone tuned in, treat your presentation like a conversation. Throw out questions and reel in their thoughts—make it interactive. Use your hands, eyes, and voice to show you're into it, and they'll catch the vibe. When they pitch in with questions or ideas, tackle them with a smile and show you're all ears. It's like being a DJ at a party, you've got to read the room, spin the right tracks, and get everybody grooving with you. Keep it lively, keep it real, and make sure it's a two-way street.
Consistently ask for questions along the way. Read the room. Read the room. Read the room. Don't get hung up on your presentation. Know the data and information but be able to pivot based off the feedback and questions you receive.
Your presentation does not end when you finish speaking. You should follow up and follow through with your audience to ensure they understand your presentation and take action on your recommendations. You should provide them with a summary, a handout, or a recording of your presentation for their reference. You should also thank them for their time and attention, and ask them for their feedback or evaluation. You should also monitor their progress, offer your support, and address any issues or concerns that might arise.
Following up and following through help to cement the information shared and encourage practical application. - Provide a summary/handout for clients to review at their own pace - Ask for feedback - Monitor progress and offer support - Be CLEAR and communicative to help build long-term relationships.
Simplify your presentation by adding clear visible images and point form notes, then explain the problem and the solution to that problem explaining how you going to reach their individuals needs with just one presentation focusing on common interests good cusomer service to all your clients to retain them and build continuous business relationships,keeping them happy so that they cannot leaving you for your competition.
Follow up and at each step keep providing value. Regardless of outcome, your willingness to provide value and valuable information at each touch or connection, will show your goodwill and integrity, and help them think about you each time someone else DOESN'T do that.
A concise follow-up slide that recaps the presentation with actionable items can be a game-changer. It reinforces the message and maintains momentum towards the desired action.
After your presentation, reach out to clients with a summary of key points and additional resources for further reading. This could include a copy of the presentation, links to relevant case studies, or more detailed data sets. Additionally, schedule a follow-up meeting or call to address any questions or clarifications they might have. This continued engagement allows you to gauge their understanding and receive feedback, allowing you to refine future communications for even greater clarity and effectiveness.
Stop presenting and have more conversations. Present a little and discuss a little. Confirm before you start that you are presenting the things the group in the room is interested in. Focus on them. Talk about what matters to them. Understand their level of buy-in. Going in with your pitch only works well if you are at a pitch competition. Start tossing the ball back and forth, instead of pitching with your fast-ball.
To ensure clients grasp your presentation effectively, focus on clarity and relevance. Simplify complex concepts using visuals, clear language, and relatable examples. Tailor your content to resonate with their needs and interests, aligning solutions with their specific challenges. Encourage interaction, allowing space for questions and discussions to address any confusion. Prioritize a clear narrative structure, guiding them through a logical flow that highlights key takeaways. Strive for a balance between depth and simplicity, ensuring the message is concise, compelling, and, most importantly, tailored to resonate with your client's perspective and objectives.
I've found that the more I practice a presentation, in front of an audience, the more concise and understandable the presentation becomes. Even recording yourself and reviewing it is beneficial.
Perhaps add few examples- case histories, of course without the name(s) of clients. This will help the audience better understand and relate especially if they have a similar situation.
At the end of your presentation, show your audience summary of your key points. This will help to reinforce your message and make it easier for your audience to remember.