Ten ways to improve your business presentations

A sales presentation can make or break a deal. Many people dread giving them, others love making a pitch - although that doesn’t mean they are doing it well. However you feel about presentations, you can always improve your approach. Follow our tips to get the basics right and ensure you get your message across

1. Prepare what you are going to say. Experts recommend that you should spend five hours planning for one hour’s presentation.
2. Keep your presentation as short and punchy as possible. People are more likely to pay attention and take your main message away with them if your presentation is not too long.
3. Rehearse in front of friends, family or colleagues.
4. If possible, visit the room where your presentation will take place. It will help you prepare by visualising where you will stand and where your audience will be.
5. Keep complex PowerPoint graphics to a minimum. People will get distracted by fancy slides.
6. If using equipment (such as a flipchart or a projector) make sure it is all working before you start.
7. When giving your presentation, make an effort to project your voice and speak slowly and clearly. You should also vary your tone to keep people alert.
8. Don’t worry if you feel slightly nervous beforehand. A measure of anxiety is good for keeping you on your toes.
9. Don’t let audience reaction put you off. Some people will nod and smile, while others who may seem bored could still be concentrating on listening to you.
10. If possible, ask the audience to keep their questions until the end. If you have handouts, it can be better to keep these until you are finished, or people may be tempted to read rather than listen to you.