Presentation Training Skills

Presentations training courses are provided across the United States and Canada. Participants have three options to attend and participate in our presentation training. Presentations are delivered via public open enrollment courses in all major metropolitan areas and are also available to be delivered on-site via private courses. The 3rd option is to attend Online Webinar Presentations Skills Workshops. Our face to face presentation training courses can be provided as off-the-shelf sessions, ready to be delivered to a diverse audience or can be customized to provide a tailored and personalized presentation training approach based on client needs. All presentations courses are limited to a maximum of twelve participants so as to increase presentation course effectiveness and provide the individual level of face to face or online coaching and interaction that is associated with the Presentations Training Skills Center.

For more information on our presentations skills training courses please contact us.

Presentation Courses: Presenting Effectively to Win Business

We are all familiar with the old adage 'it's not what you know, but who you know'. In business, it's equally true that it's not what you know, but how you put it across that counts. Few people are born with a natural talent for presentation skills and good business communication. The good news is that presentation skills can be learnt.

Business is about winning
You may not be in a sales role but if you are in a profession or a service industry and have to 'pitch for business', how you present yourself and your organization is as important as what you say.

Prepare well
When you've worked hard for the opportunity to make a new business pitch, you must prepare thoroughly. You will probably only get one chance so be sure you have the answers to the following questions:

Who are your audience?
how many people, what do they know about the subject, and what do they expect from you

What main points do you want to get across?
that you know your subject, you understand their business, and you have clear objectives, and are results-orientated or will provide great service?

How long is your presentation?
establish how much time you have and whether this includes a period for questions.

Where will you be presenting?
do you know the size of the room and the layout?

Structure your presentation
The content of your presentation will vary according to the requirements of the potential client. In general:

people can only take on board three or four main points so agree what they are
clients are much more interested in hearing about themselves and what you can do for them, so keep your credentials short and relevant
focus on what's in it for the client or prospect
emphasize what makes you different

Selecting your visual aids
The basic rules are:
use as few as possible
keep them simple and avoid too much detail
make sure they have the equipment you need

Use positive body language
Standing, looking confident and smiling will give a good initial impression, even if you feel nervous. Remember these points to enhance your presentation skills and come across with impact:
maintain eye-contact to build rapport quickly
use meaningful gestures to emphasize key points
use prompt cards or brief notes
if you present with a team, listen to your colleagues when they're speaking

Develop an interesting voice
If you speak in a monotonous drone your audience will soon stop listening. Put plenty of expression into your voice.
pause and slow down to eradicate fillers such as "errs" and "ums"
don't let your voice trail off at the end of sentences - keep up the energy
vary your pitch and don't rush through it

Practice makes perfect
There's no substitute for thorough preparation and practice if you want to develop your presentation skills. In any case remember:
if presenting as part of a team, ensure that everyone is present for the rehearsals
do at least one complete run-through with no interruptions. Time it and, if necessary, condense without disturbing the "flow". Never over-run.
anticipate and prepare for likely questions
practice handovers
Presentations skills training can help you get valuable feedback on your approach

Enjoy yourself
Attention to detail, preparation and practice take time - but you will probably only get one chance to get it right. The difference between success and failure lies in the effort you put in. Who knows, your presentation skills could end up not only winning you business, and you may find you actually enjoy the experience.

Source: Shaun Parker link

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