By George Duckworth


Years ago basic direct sales training included a broadside sheet or two of product information and a script . . ."Here's your sales pitch, study, memorize and go sell!"
Get out there and see enough people and you'll make the sale. Then the trainees would go knock on doors and sell product. Well, simple as it was it worked!
But eventually as the desire to make presentations more efficient and effectively maximize the 80/20 rule, a bigger idea came to the forefront . . "Sales Training Classes!" being led by the more successful members of the selling staff.

If you want to create a K.I.S.S. presentation, (Keep It Simple Solution)there are four basic steps you need to do: research your content, organize it, visualize it and present it. Here are some things you should keep in mind in order to get it right.

1) Content Planning and Research


What is the purpose of your presentation?
What point are you trying to get across?
What do you want the audience to walk away with?
What is your Call to Action?
These are questions you should be thinking about before you even begin to draft ideas for your PowerPoint slides. Unfortunately, many presenters go directly to PowerPoint and start typing down data. Do not fall into this trap! Instead, brainstorm, research and organize your ideas on paper first. It is vital to have a good understanding of your core message so that it can be well organized and you can showcase the best texts to strengthen your point.

2) Setting the Structure


Who is the audience?
What do they want to know and how can you engage them?
Thinking this through will get you on the same page as your audience, and help you stay on topic. Secondly, understanding the viewpoint of your audience will help structure your information in a way that interests and engages them and additionally, will be easy to follow. Say goodbye to eyes glazing over!

3) Designing and Visualizing


Great design is simple, and that is exactly why it is so complicated. If you put everything you have to say on a PowerPoint slide, the audience will just stop paying attention. Great design is recognizing the necessary information, picking out the key points and turning them into visuals.
Aristotle once said, The soul never thinks without an image.
High-quality visuals, pictures, infographics, and icons can transform your data into a message that is quickly grasped and well understood.

4) Engaging Your Audience


Interaction is key to keeping your audience engaged. Here are some techniques:
Ask Questions Pose questions to your audience throughout your presentation to keep them actively involved.
Use Stories Incorporate relevant stories or anecdotes to illustrate your points and make them more relatable.
Interactive Elements Include polls, quizzes, or group activities to encourage participation and keep the energy levels high.

5) Handling Questions


Handling questions effectively can elevate your presentation. By Using this technique:
Prepare for Common Questions: Have a mental cheat sheet ready, you have heard this one before cick on that subconsious and make it give you the successful file. Anticipate questions that may come up and prepare responses in advance.
Clarify Before Answering: If a question is unclear, ask for clarification before responding.
Stay Calm and Composed:Answer questions calmly and confidently, even if they are challenging.this is your chance to shine!

6) Technology Check:


Technology can be your best friend or worst enemy during a presentation:
Test EquipmentEnsure that all equipment (projector, microphone, laptop) is working properly before your presentation.
Backup Plan:Have a backup plan in case of technical difficulties, such as printed copies of your slides or an alternative device.

7) Follow-Up


The presentation isnt an ending when you leave the stage:
Provide Handouts: Offer handouts or digital copies of your presentation for the audience to take home.
Collect Feedback: Ask for feedback on your presentation to understand what worked well and what can be improved.
Stay Connected: Follow up with attendees via email or social media to continue the conversation and build relationships.

8) One-On-One Coaching


Of course you know that practice makes perfect so do not forget to run through your presentation a few times. Think about using an assertive body language, speaking with your hands, making eye contact with the audience and varying your tone of voice to emphasize your message. Since you do not see yourself when you present, it is difficult to make the right adjustments and always a good idea to get feedback from friends, colleagues or professionals. Be encouraged as great presenters are created, not born.