How to Create Powerful Sales PowerPoint Presentations
The presentation software PowerPoint helps sales pitches by providing an important method for helping the audience make a visual connection with what you are saying. Some people are more visual learners, so this is a method to capture their attention. Simply utilizing PowerPoint slides in your presentation does not make your sales pitch complete, though. The information you use on the slides and your interaction with the room are also important. Following a few important tips can help you take your PowerPoint presentation to the next level.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Demonstrate the importance of your company in the PowerPoint slides. A major mistake some people make is to create a generic presentation that does not relate to the customer they want to impress. Mention specific points and statistics that make your customer understand that the PowerPoint shows the significance of what you are selling.
-
2
Follow the format of a strong PowerPoint presentation. Entry-level computer courses typically recommend that presenters do not use more than three lines of text in a slide to avoid losing the audience's attention. Another tip is to use only two to three transition effects because the focus should be on the information, not the effects.
-
-
3
Utilize your ability to communicate with the clients and do not delegate that responsibility to the PowerPoint slides. Eye contact is important because it shows clients that you can connect and relate to them. It also demonstrates that you are not nervous and can command the attention of an audience.
-
4
Involve the clients by asking them questions and letting them ask questions. This helps take some pressure off of you to go by the strict organization of your PowerPoint slides. You should use the slides as a guideline and feel free to veer from them if need be.
-
5
Give your clients a physical demonstration to help them understand what you are saying. Drawing up information on a whiteboard changes the pace of your sales pitch, which can keep them interested in what is happening. A strong tactic is to write up a chart of how something works with three illustrated steps.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Your main goal is to enable the client to have a connection with your PowerPoint presentation. Go about this in whatever way seems right to you. Paying too much attention to tips can easily backfire and make you appear stiff, so just try to be yourself and go with your instinct.
Dressing the part is important, too. Wear what you might normally wear to work, or step it up a notch with a nice-looking business casual outfit. Groom your hair and, if you are a woman, wear tasteful makeup.
References
- Photo Credit computer image by Ewe Degiampietro from Fotolia.com
