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7 Steps To Stop Losing Money and Start Presenting Like a Pro

Guest post by: Milly Sonneman

Article Overview: Looking for a simple and easy way to stop losing money? Kick your presentation skills up a notch so you have a dramatic impact - every time.

7 Steps To Stop Losing Money and Start Presenting Like a Pro

High Impact Every Time

Looking for a simple and easy way to stop losing money? Kick your presentation skills up a notch so you have a dramatic impact - every time.

While a professional webinar training promises to give you answers, sadly, many of them just give you more technology. Let's say you use the latest PowerPoint, the newest video techniques and the coolest animation. Will it do the trick?

Nope.

Instead, it's time to go 'old school.' Get back to basics. Use this 7-step plan to stop losing money, stop killing clients with boring presentations, and start a new era in your career.

Let's jump in:

Step 1. Use What Works

Be yourself. Use your own style and flair to be the best presenter you can be. And here's a hint: don't try to imitate your boss or a late-night talk show host on television.

Be yourself. Let this strength shine through in your business presentations.

Step 2. Plan Your Presentation

Should be a no-brainer, right? Wrong. Far too many folks figure that they're experts and have it handled. Don't let this happen to you. Plan your presentation with a storyboard. This is the quick and easy way to figure out what is important, where to start and how to end.

Step 3. Connect with Audience Emotions

What's really top of mind for your audience? Are they worried about the economy? Are they angry about losing a competitive lead? Are they pissed off because they're part of yet another merger?

Find out before you go into the room. Do this with interviews, informal and formal conversations and scouring the web.

Step 4. WOW at the Whiteboard

Goodbye boring slides. Hello phenomenal whiteboards! Slides are great for planning your message - but how about leaving them back at the office?

Instead of relying on your deck, get comfortable showing and sketching big ideas at the whiteboard.

Hint: take a webinar in business presenting for with whiteboards. Once you learn the tricks of the trade, you'll be unstoppable.

Step 5. Use Visual Handouts

What's your audience most likely to use and take with them? A visual handout. Create handouts and support materials that people want to use, take notes on and share with peers.

This is a lot more effective than handing out the same-old-same-old copies of slides. Plus, you won't be contributing to noxious waste and paper consumption.

Step 6. Ignite The Desire To Act

What do you want people to do? Ask this question before you start your presentation! This is a big deal. Focus on specific actions and repeatedly ignite the desire to take action throughout your presentation.

Hint: there are specific calls to action that are best for different situations. don't rely on only one method. Expand your repetoire by taking targeted training webinars to build your professional skills.

Step 7. Invite Spontaneous Q & A

What questions do people have? Find out by asking for questions and planning ample time for Q & A. By the way, this is an area many people avoid. Why? They are terrified that they won't be able to answer the tough questions.

That's why it's helpful to learn new skills in online classes and webinars. Then practice with a peer or an expert coach. Tackle the hard stuff in advance so you can be relaxed and confident under fire.

Building professional presentation skills is easy and fast with focused training, webinars and executive coaching. Now is the time to invest in your skills and get to the top of your career. Stop losing money and start presenting like a pro!

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Article Tags: business presentation, presentation coach, visual story



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